The trek to fight malaria

It was a six-day campaign that felt like a lifetime-one filled with sweat, dust, and an unwavering commitment to the cause.

Our team, working in the Adamawa region of Cameroon, knew the campaign wouldn't be easy. But the urgency of preventing malaria was undeniable. Every face we encountered represented a new opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone's health and well-being.

As a Health Volunteer in Cameroon, I work alongside hospital personnel and community health agents who are passionate about educating their peers to help improve public health in the region. We conduct weekly health talks with pregnant women and women who are lactating specifically in malaria, nutrition, HIV, and malnutrition.

As we set out to visit 18 scattered villages located in unfamiliar and sometimes remote terrain our team weathered scorching sun and red dust. At times we had to take motos or even walk. Sometimes I thought we might even be lost. Yet we pressed on, guided by the collective spirit of the campaign and our shared determination.

Each day, we ventured into villages where community leaders, elders, and mothers awaited us. Our reception was warm. Many knew about malaria but didn't know how to protect themselves from it. Many families had lost loved ones to the disease; others had children who fell ill but didn't know what to do. Our messages were simple but essential: sleep under a mosquito net, attend antenatal care appointments, seek medical help if your child has malaria, and learn how to properly hang, wash, and care for your mosquito nets.

First, team members demonstrated the correct way to hang the nets, which involves stretching the net to ensure it covers the sleeping area entirely, free of gaps where mosquitoes can slip through. Our team members spoke the local languages, knew the cultural nuances, and were deeply respected in these villages, making it easier for people to understand and embrace our message.

Cameroonian women learn about malaria prevention during a 6-day malaria campaign.

After the net demo we explained why sleeping under a net was crucial. The nets, when used correctly, act as a barrier to prevent mosquito bites, which could lead to malaria. We shared facts about malaria transmission, how it affects pregnant women and children under five, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. We also emphasized the necessity of regular antenatal check-ups at the health centers, despite long walks or other challenges.

The team was instrumental in this campaign's success. Each member was dedicated, respectful, and worked tirelessly to make sure no one was left out. At moments the heat or exhaustion was challenging, but enthusiasm and belief in the cause kept us going. We laughed through the tough moments, cheered each other on, and celebrated each small victory along the way. We were more than just a team-we were a family united by the common goal of saving lives.

By the end of the six days, we had sensitized 398 people, including 292 women and 106 men. We hung mosquito nets in homes, shared crucial health information, and answered countless questions. People were receptive, eager to learn, and grateful for the support we provided. There was a sense of relief among the villagers, knowing that they had someone who cared about their health, someone they could turn to for advice. It was clear that they not only appreciated the campaign but also felt empowered to make a change.

Looking back, I felt a deep sense of pride. Pride in the turnout, pride in the team's hard work, and pride in the impact we had made. We faced obstacles and faced them with collective effort and determination. It wasn't just about the number of nets we hung or the amount of people we sensitized-it was about changing mindsets, saving lives, and leaving a lasting mark in the hearts of these communities.

As we made our way back home, I couldn't help but smile. We had laid a foundation, and the communities were now empowered to protect themselves against malaria.