Silent but Deadly: How Communities in Bamenda Are Fighting the Battle Against Non-Communicable Diseases
Story, Peter Tasi
The quiet neighborhood in Nkwen, Bamenda, sits Sylvester, under the veranda of his home, looking visibly exhausted. Four years ago, his life changed forever when a routine hospital visit revealed that his blood sugar levels were dangerously high.
“I first discovered I had diabetes about four years ago. At the time, I was always feeling very tired, thirsty, and going to the toilet too often,” Sylvester recalls. “I thought it was just stress because of the crisis here in Bamenda, but when I finally went to the hospital, the doctor asked for a blood test. That’s when they told me my sugar level was very high and I was diabetic.”
Sylvester, who preferred to give only his first name, said the shock was overwhelming because no one in his family had ever been diagnosed with diabetes. “The first challenge is the cost. Insulin and test strips are expensive, and sometimes you go to the hospital and they are out of stock. You have to buy from private pharmacies which is even more costly,” he said.
The crisis in the region has made follow-up care even harder. “Sometimes you can’t leave the house because of ghost towns or roadblocks. That affects my follow-up. The hospital staff have been supportive though, they try to counsel me and check my sugar when I come for checkups. But the truth is, the resources are limited,” Sylvester said while insisting that he relies heavily on his community for survival. “My family and church members sometimes contribute money to help me buy medication when I am really in need. Apart from that, there is still a lot of stigma. Some people think diabetes is a curse or a punishment, so I don’t always talk about it.”
Sylvester’s experience is part of a growing trend. According to the World Health Organization, Non-Communicable Diseases, are now responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide. In Cameroon, the Ministry of Public Health estimates that 31% of all deaths are due to NCDs, with hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and stroke topping the list.
A 2022 national STEPwise survey showed that almost one in five Cameroonian adults has raised blood pressure, and around 6% have raised blood sugar levels, putting them at risk of diabetes. Experts warn that lifestyle habits such as high consumption of sugary drinks, salty foods, tobacco, and alcohol are fueling this silent epidemic.
Health experts say Sylvester’s story is not unique. Dr. Tembain Nicoline, a medical doctor in Bamenda, says cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are among the most common NCDs in the North West region.
“I advise patients suffering from NCDs to consult their doctor for regular checkups,” Dr. Tembain Nicoline told this reporter and added that, “...for those already with NCDs, they should follow proper instructions and treatment from their health practitioner, while the population should always go for regular checkups and not wait until it is very late. It will greatly help to always keep a track record of your system.”
Away from the hospital, some Bamenda residents are already taking steps to reduce their risk.
Gemuh Adolf, a resident, said he has cut out Maggi from his kitchen. “At home, I hardly cook with salt and Maggi. I prepare my food with a little bit of salt and no Maggi at all. I always advise my family about the harm of too much salt and Maggi to the body,” he said.
Dian Fondzeyuy, a roadside food vendor, also said she is making efforts to serve healthier food to her customers. “I try to prevent NCDs by reducing how much oil I use in my frying and by walking every morning before I start my business. Yes, I am careful. I try to put only a small quantity of salt and Maggi in the main pot. If a customer wants more, I keep extra on the side so they can add for themselves,” Dian Fondzeyuy explained and insisted that, "...for sugar, especially when I make pap or tea, I don’t put sugar at all. I give customers sugar separately so they can measure it themselves. Some people now are very cautious, especially those with high blood pressure, so I have to respect their health needs,” she added.
Civil Society Organizations are also stepping up. The Reconciliation and Development Association dubbed RADA, a leading Non-governmental Organisation in NCD advocacy, has been working nationally to push for policy changes.
Njerim Magdalen, Head of RADA’s Health Department, said the organization has made significant progress. “We have been advocating for front-of-package warning labels for almost four years. The policy has been included in national norms and standards and is now pending inter-ministerial drafting,” she said.
Njerim Magdalen added that RADA is also advocating for a tax increase on sugary drinks and unhealthy packaged foods. “So far, a tax memo has been written by the Ministry of Health and sent to the appropriate quarters. We have had workshops with Parliament, civil society organizations, and the media to build support for this move. Our health educators have gone to churches, schools, mosques, and public events to raise awareness,” she said.
But the road has not been easy. “We still face a lot of industry interference. Companies have written to the Prime Minister’s Office, claiming they were not involved in the process of developing the warning labels. There are delays in government offices and bureaucracy is slowing things down. But we continue to push,” Njerim Magdalen said.
For local retailers, there is growing awareness about the health risks of what they sell.
“At our supermarket here at Upstation, we sell a variety of beverages and packaged foods. Honestly, sometimes I think about it, especially when I see people buying too many sweet drinks or snacks for their children,” said Mbong Alice, an assistant manager. “We all know too much sugar and processed foods are not good for the body, they can cause diabetes or obesity. But at the end of the day, this is business. People buy what they want, and we provide what is available in the market. I just wish there was more education so that people can make better choices, maybe buy more water or fruits instead of only soft drinks.” Mbong Alice reiterated.
Experts say the fight against NCDs cannot be left to the health sector alone. It requires joint efforts from the government, private sector, civil society, and individuals.
“People must be more conscious of what they eat and drink. Policymakers must accelerate the adoption of front-of-package labeling and sugary drink taxation. Communities must support patients who are struggling daily to manage their condition,” Dr. Tembain Nicoline emphasized.
As the battle against NCDs rages on, Bamenda’s residents are showing that even small actions from regulating salt at home to pushing for national policies and indulging into outdoor sports among others, can save lives.
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