Bossenga, November 23, 2025 – As part of the fight against the high infant mortality rate among the indigenous Baka communities, the Dadé Kaolé Association organized an awareness campaign in several villages. These communities, located in the municipality of Messok, in the Haut-Nyong department of the East region of Cameroon, face an infant mortality rate significantly higher than that of the Bantu populations.
The campaign was conducted in the villages of Djangue, Bossenga, Koungoulou, Kanga, and Mombokola, with the aim of informing women and young girls about the dangers of poorly monitored pregnancies and the necessity of giving birth in health centers rather than at home..
During the sessions, the midwives (traditional birth attendants) expressed their concerns, requesting training on modern childbirth methods and highlighting the need for essential medical supplies, such as alcohol and bandages, to safely conduct deliveries. These requests underscored the significant lack of resources and training for these midwives, who are the primary caregivers for pregnant women in their communities..
In response, the Dadé Kaolé Association has committed to organizing training sessions for the midwives of the 14 Baka camps in the municipality of Messok. These training sessions will focus on modern obstetric practices to ensure safer deliveries for mothers and babies..
The marginalized Baka populations face several difficulties that hinder their access to appropriate healthcare, including:
- The geographical isolation of the villages, which makes access to health services difficult, especially during the rainy season;
- The lack of prenatal monitoring and adequate maternal care, which increases the risks during pregnancy and childbirth;
- The lack of medical supplies and equipment in local health centers, depriving women and midwives of the necessary tools to safely carry out deliveries.
This campaign aims to overcome these obstacles by significantly reducing maternal and infant mortality and ensuring better access to healthcare for young girls and women in the Baka communities.