February – March 2021 | Cameroon

A shocking discovery and an immediate response

In February 2021, during a stay in Cameroon dedicated to monitoring the association’s projects, the Chairwoman of the Board and founder of Hand on Heart e.V., Mrs. Nelly Mbaho, happened to pass by the leprosy treatment center “Dibamba Leprosy Center – Archdiocese of Douala”.

Deeply moved to see that leprosy remains such a present reality, she immediately reacted by speaking with the nurse in charge of patients on site. She then learned that patients cannot go out to do their own shopping, as the surrounding population fears contamination. The residents of the center therefore depend entirely on this facility for their medical and food care, with treatment provided every week.

Precarious living conditions for patients and former patients

In addition to the patients accommodated at the center, former patients, now cured but still marginalized, are allowed to come collect their food rations every Saturday. These realities reflect a situation of great hardship and persistent social isolation.

Faced with this hardship witnessed firsthand, Mrs. Nelly Mbaho immediately returned with food donations, which she personally distributed to each patient living at the center, on behalf of Hand on Heart e.V. This spontaneous act marked the beginning of a lasting commitment by the association to the Dibamba Leprosy Center.

A long-term commitment

It quickly became evident for Hand on Heart e.V. to include the Dibamba leprosy center in its future projects and provide it with regular support.

Thus, in March 2021, association members Isabelle Grandmontagne and Gerd Christoph launched, from Germany, a rapid relief campaign. Several humanitarian packages were prepared and sent, including:

• pain relief medications,

• bandages and dressings,

• ointments and skin disinfectants,

• vitamin and mineral tablets,

• eye drops,

• bar soaps,

• adjustable closed shoes.

Continuation of in-kind donation collection

To date, the association continues to collect in-kind donations, which are essential for improving patients’ living conditions. Identified needs include:

• light clothing,

• sunglasses and caps with visors,

• bandages and disposable gloves,

• mosquito nets for hospital beds,

• white canes for the visually impaired,

• crutches, walking aids, walkers,

• wheelchairs.

In addition, intense heat is a real challenge for patients. Therefore, fans or air conditioners would be of great help. The association hopes to count on the generosity of donors who are sensitive to this cause.

Acknowledgements

Hand on Heart e.V. warmly thanks all those who support this humanitarian action through their donations, solidarity, and trust. Every gesture matters and helps restore dignity, hope, and better living conditions to people who are too often forgotten.

Thank you once again for your commitment.
And above all, take care of yourselves and stay healthy.