In June, clashes between government forces and armed separatist groups in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon led to displacement and reduced humanitarian access, while protests in major urban areas resulted in violence and destruction. Additionally, military operations against Non-State Armed Groups in the Far North region caused further displacement, while the humanitarian situation in the East region remained unchanged.
UNFPA's humanitarian response has yielded significant results:
- 35 midwives provided sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to 9,161 people, assisting 1,377 women in safe childbirth.
- 184 women received clean delivery kits, and 47 mothers received baby boxes. Additionally, 1,802 people were reached through awareness-raising sessions on SRH.
- UNFPA health facilities supported 1,377 deliveries, including 296 cesarean sections, and recorded 225 obstetric complications. Additionally, 1,010 women attended antenatal consultations and 193 people received treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- 11,402 people were reached with gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services.
- 500 dignity kits were distributed, 47 women participated in income-generating activities, and 25 women received cash for SRH and GBV services.
The GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR) for the Far North successfully organized its monthly meeting, ensuring coordinated locations and timelines for upcoming GBV safety audits. To address the knowledge gap on post-rape kits, UNFPA will host a briefing in July. In Maya Tsanaga, the GBV AoR advocated for increased resource mobilization and more frequent meetings, enabling better information sharing under the leadership of the Women-Led Organization (WLO) ALDEPA.
The Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies (SRHiE) Technical Working Group (TWG) met on 25 June 2024, during which updates were provided on the operational presence of SRH service providers and a review of organizations providing SRH services. Efforts are underway to address the mismatch between medical supplies in Inter-Agency Reproductive Health (IARH) kits and medications used in HIV/AIDS programs in Cameroon, and to align post-rape kits with the National Protocol for the Treatment of Sexual Violence Survivors. A potential solution is being explored to group-order post-rape kits and other essential supplies, and to create a digital platform for sharing information and updates on SRH and family planning needs in emergencies. UNFPA joined the Health Sector Partner consultation convened by ECHO to prepare its humanitarian response for 2025.
UNFPA Cameroon is grateful for the continued support of its donors. As of the end of June 2024, UNFPA had secured 24% of its USD 11,070,664 appeal through the generous contributions of USAID BHA, Canada, Norway, and UN-CERF.
