For some Cameroonians, accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge because of distance, limited resources and the cost of treatment. Free health campaigns offer an opportunity to consult medical professionals and receive care that might otherwise remain out of reach. In the Far North Region, one such initiative helped 16-year-old Ali Bouba access specialized treatment for a severe congenital condition.
Ali was identified during the fifth edition of the 2026 Health Campaign in Kousseri. His condition was too complex to manage at the campaign site, prompting his transfer to the Yaounde Central Hospital for further examinations and surgery.
The teenager had lived with severe congenital lymphedema, which affected his lower limbs and mobility. The severity of the condition was such that, according to information gathered, the young boy had been unable to see his genitals since birth. His condition had also prevented him from attending school.
At the Yaounde Central Hospital, a surgical team led by Dr George Bwelle performed a rare operation to remove the enlarged scrotal tissue while preserving his penis and testes. A procedure worth 5 million CFA francs.
According to the surgeon, Ali will remain under medical supervision for about a month, followed by three months of follow-up care. His treatment is being provided for free through the support of the Promotion Santé Association.
The Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, visited Ali at the hospital on 19 October, 2026 to assess his condition and the care being provided. He stressed that patients who require specialised treatment but cannot receive it during health campaigns must continue to be cared for between successive editions.
Ali’s case illustrates the role of these initiatives in identifying complex medical conditions and connecting patients to facilities equipped to treat them. For communities where specialist services are difficult to access, bringing healthcare professionals closer to the population can help reduce barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
The fifth edition of the 2026 campaign recorded more than 4,800 surgical operations, according to information provided by the organisers. Beyond the number of procedures performed, the initiative also supports Cameroon’s Universal Health Coverage plan, which seeks to ensure that everyone can access the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.
Sustaining these initiatives and ensuring continuity of care will remain essential to reaching underserved communities across the country and achieving health equity.
