A Bicycle, A Canoe, Unyielding Dedication: The Story Of Community Health Workers In Far North Region

Vele Health District, Cameroon - In the remote Mayo Danay Division of Cameroon’s Far North Region, where health facilities are sparse and infrastructure is challenged by distance and flooding, a vital network of volunteers serves as the frontline of public health: the Community Health Workers (CHWs). Through rain, floodwaters, and on ageing bicycles, individuals like Golonga Charles Danadji and Fidah Marie-Jeanne embody an unwavering commitment to saving lives and transforming community health behaviours, even as they face persistent logistical and financial hardships.
This is more so as Vele is located only 10 metres behind the dyke on River Logone, which overflows its banks every year. Thereby recommencing the battle to cope not only with the floods, but more importantly with their socio-economic effects often left behind by the rising waters. 

Commitment To Prevention
For CHWs like Mr. Danadji, 43, and Ms. Marie-Jeanne, their "volunteering job" is a full-time commitment. They are the essential interface between the community and formal health facilities, focusing heavily on prevention and early detection of diseases.
Mr. Danadji, a father of six, covers three neighborhoods in Vele. His work involves door-to-door visits to sensitize residents on critical health challenges, including the prevention and treatment of malaria, the necessity of vaccination, and malnutrition. He performs initial screenings and refers complex cases to the nearest health centre.
Ms. Marie-Jeanne begins her rounds in four neighborhood areas between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Her schedule is demanding, especially on vaccination days when she stays longer to guide hesitant parents. "Some people are reticent about getting their children vaccinated, but with much persuasion and presentation of the benefits of vaccination, they eventually accept," she explains. This blend of medical knowledge and community diplomacy is crucial in building trust and overcoming local skepticism.

Enhanced Skills, Measurable Impact
The work of these CHWs has been significantly enhanced by targeted training. Mr. Danadji shared that a six-day training offered by the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF in July 2025 empowered him to better identify diseases under surveillance that he previously couldn't detect. Thanks to funding from the Japanese government.
These efforts are yielding tangible results. Both workers report a gradual shift in community attitudes. "The people are responding by gradually changing their behaviour," Mr. Danadji noted, expressing satisfaction that more residents are adopting disease-preventing attitudes.
The strategic use of CHWs is a recognized global health approach. Studies and global health organizations underscore the effectiveness of CHW programmes in improving access to primary healthcare in hard-to-reach areas, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. They play a pivotal role in achieving universal health coverage by delivering essential services directly to households and facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.

Irregular Stipends, Inadequate Gear
Despite their vital contributions, the workers face significant challenges that threaten the sustainability of their work and livelihoods. Both Mr. Danadji and Ms. Marie-Jeanne cite the irregular payment of their monthly stipends

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