Public Health: Japoma District Hospital Gets Modern Laboratory

T he Japoma District Hospital in Douala has received a newly constructed and equipped me­ dical laboratory from MTN Cameroon. This is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare and strengthening diagnostic services in the Littoral Re­ gion. The modern laboratory was of­ ficially handed over on Friday, October 30, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, in the presence of health officials, representatives of MTN Cameroon and local authorities. Constructed over a surface area of 150 square metres, the laboratory is equipped to support medical exami­ nations and diagnosis. It also has an independent power supply system comprising two solar installations and a generator, intended to ensure conti­ nuity of services. The donation forms part of MTN Cameroon’s 2026 edition of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, which seeks to extend access to healthcare services to communities across the country. According to MTN Cameroon Chief Executive Officer, Wanda Matandela, the initiative in­ volved interventions in all 10 regions, including the provision of maternity equipment to health facilities and the establishment of a digital multimedia centre at the Douala General Hospi­ tal. At the Japoma district hospital, MTN also provided equipment to strengthen maternity services, including ultrasound and foetal monitoring equipment. The Director of Japoma District Hos­ pital, Dr Charles Armel Obam Assma, expressed appreciation for the support, noting that the new laboratory would strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide diagnostic services. He, ho­ wever, called for additional human re­ sources, an ambulance and a mor­ tuary. In response, the Minister of Public Health commended MTN Cameroon for its...