WBW 2012 Preparations Started

By Helen Ayamba, Email:helenayamba@yahoo.com
It's Time To Act After 10 Years Global Strategy And 20 Years WBW!
WABA has made known the theme for WBW 2012. In a release by the International Coordinator of the World Breastfeeding Week, Julianne Lim Abdullah, it was made lnow that 20 years ago, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) launched its first World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) campaign with the theme: "Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative" and so much has happened in these 20 years. During the celebration this year, we are taking a look back to understand what has happened and why. Breastfeeding promotion and protection activists are planning more activities to support all women to be able to optimally feed and care for of their infants and young children.

2012 WBW Objectives
1. To recall what has happened in the past 20 years on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF).
2. To celebrate successes and achievements nationally, regionally and globally and showcase national work at global level.
3. To assess the status of implementation of the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (GS).
4. To call for action to bridge the remaining gaps in policy and programmes on breastfeeding and IYCF.
5. To draw public attention on the state of policy and programmes on breastfeeding and IYCF.

What is the Global Strategy?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) jointly developed and launched the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (GS) in 2002 reaffirming the four Innocenti targets set in 1995, and setting additional targets. The GS has identified a clear need for optimal infant feeding practices in reducing malnutrition as well as poverty. It is based on a human rights approach and calls for the development of comprehensive national policies on infant and young child feeding. It provides guidance on how to protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, together with adequate, appropriate and indigenous complementary feeding starting from the age of six (6) months.

How and Why we should monitor status of implementation of the Global Strategy?
In 2004 – 2005, the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), that is one of WABA's core partners launched the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) , to track, assess and monitor the implementation of the Global Strategy. According to UNICEF's State of the World's Children Report 2011, 136.7 million babies are born worldwide and only 32.6 % of them are breastfed exclusively in the first six months. According to the WBTi assessment of 40 countries, most of the 40 countries do not have an effective IYCF policy with an adequate budget for implementation. To be able to increase breastfeeding rates, it is important to assess policies and programmes and take action accordingly.
To prepare the minds of breastfeeding promoters and supporters in Cameroon towards the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week 2012, we have shall be looking through the policy declarations made during the mass event launching in the past years. The videos on camlink99 channel take us back to Yaoundé, Obala, Ebolowa and Douala, where advocates for breastfeeding shared their opinions during mass events, emphasising the best option to guarantee the survival of babies. For more information, visit the following web sites – www.waba.org.my,

2012 WBW Photography Contest

Each year, WABA organizes a World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Photography Contest. World Breastfeeding Week 2012 Photography contest is open until 15 March 2012. Advocates seize the opportunity to feature their breastfeeding photos in the year's Action Folder! Ten winning photos are selected, and contributors whose photos are featured in the WBW Action Folders, Posters and Banners are awarded US$100 for each published photo.

What WABA is looking for in 2012?
Countries are expected to mobilize people and resources for a national evaluation and create an information bulletin. Many countries are already involved in the process of World Breastfeeding Trend Initiative ratings. It is time for Cameroon to organize its second evaluation this year and plan a strategy for behaviour change communication. Cameroon Link has been a strong advocate for the respect of the articles of the International Code, as a means of promoting child rights. Cameroon Link will this year champion activities in the Central African region through the Federation of Cameroon Breastfeeding Promotions Associations, FECABPA. It has won the photo competition thrice. According to the president of FECABPA, a good photo can be taken if you understand issues related to breastfeeding. For more information visit the web site at www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org You can also send a mail to Julianna Lim Abdullah, IBCLC through the following address: Email: julianna.lim@waba.org.my

SUFI HANG UP CAMPAIGN ON THE WAY

SUFI Civil Society Organisations Trained On MILDA Hang Up Campaign
By Ojong Helen Ayamba
Email: helenayamba@yahoo.com
Mimi Soppo is 30 years old and lives with the husband and five children at Ndobo, Bonendaleneighbourhood of Bonassama Health District. Like her neighbours, she received vouchers for free mosquito nets at the local health centre during the last September 2011 mosquito net distribution campaign. Mosquito nets prevent malaria, a disease that is killing many children in Cameroon. Mimi got the voucher, but did not know where to get the free nets. They had never used mosquito bed nets before and two of her children failed in school because they were frequently sick with malaria.
Due to the size of their family, they received two bed nets and were advised to hang the nets up 24 hours after reception when they arrived home. Her husband helped her using a few nails to hang them, but the nets kept falling down. To receive mosquito nets is not enough. One must know how to correctly hang them. One net was hung and the other was just put aside.
Two weeks after the net distribution, two yo0ung people knocked at their door and were introduced by the village head as volunteers who would help them hang upbed nets correctly. Mimi was very happy and in less than one hour, all the nets were hung correctly and they learnt how to maintain them. Since then, the nets have changed their lives and for the first time, they are are all sleeping through the night without being bitten by mosquitoes. Since they have been using the nets, their children have not missed school because of fever.
SUFI is a five year project designed to reduce the prevalence of malaria. One of the easiest ways to reduce malaria is to prevent mosquitoes from biting humans. The challenge is that only 45% of children less than five years old, and less than 50% of pregnant women slept under an impregnated net at night before the national MILDA campaign in 2011.
As a result of the mass distribution of nets carried out by the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health and other partners, Plan Cameroon is training civil society organization and community based organisationson the importance of hanging the insecticide treated bed nets correctly and using them evry night of the year to prevent malaria.
This is the substance of a Scaling Up malaria control for Impact in Cameroon from 2011 and 2015, as Plan Cameroon and the Malaria Consortium – Cameroon Coalition Against Malaria embraced a capacity building trainer of trainers workshop to capacitate civil society organizations on the use of community monitoring and evaluation tools and communication support for behaviour change in Douala, littoral region of Cameroon.
Hang Up is the slogan that has been chosen to encourage people to always sleep under the long=life action impregnated mosquito net. According to the facilitators, a public awareness campaign for the use of the mosquito net will soon take off throughout Cameroon hang Up is an increased follow-up of the regular use of the mosquito net in the households.
The key facilitators of the workshop in Douala from the 21st – 23rd February, 2012 were Sibetcheu Daniel of the Malaria Consortium – Cameroon Coalition Against Malaria (MC-CCAM), Dr. FotsoFokam of Plan international Cameroon, Dr. Simo Francis of IRESCO and AKOA Lin Christophe of the malaria control unit for the littoral.
During the three days, the participants composed of the Chief District Medical Officers and the accredited SUFI Civil Society Organisations from the 19 health districts of the Littoral region exchanged the generalities of malaria, communication techniques, MILDA Hang Up campaign process, health information system with communities, how to elaborate a training schedule at district level and the elements of justification of an executed activity.
Malaria kills a person every 30 seconds. It is responsible for 500 million cases of illness every year and kills children in particular. It is endemic in 109 countries around the world and reinforces poverty. That is why it is considered a permanent enemy, because it surfaces each time control and prevention is slowed down
The short term objective is that 80% patients are and treated with efficient anti-malaria prescription. All pregnant women receive malaria prevention treatment from 4 months of pregnancy. In the short term, incidence of malaria in the world is reduced by 75% and that the realisation of the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals in the case of the fight against malaria is achieved. The universal coverage is continued with efficient interventions
In Cameroon,181 civil society organisations and 15.500 community based organisations are involved in the control of malaria throughout the ten regions.

MC – CCAM VA EN GUERRE CONTRE LE PALUDISME

Par Rosette Ombessack
SUFI OSC Bonassama
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
Le « Malaria Consortium – Cameroon Coalition Against Malaria (MC – CCAM) » a organisé le 01 février 2012 à Douala une réunion de plaidoyer pour la lutte contre le paludisme au Cameroun. C’était en présence d’un parterre d’autorités à l’instar du représentant du gouverneur de la région du littoral, Madame Sincon Rachel, La Directrice de MCCCAM, Dr. Esther Tallah, le délégué de la santé pour le littoral , Dr. Bita Fouda, la coordinatrice régionale de l’unité de paludisme pour le littoral, Gertrude Bita.
La petite Patricia âgée de dix ans, habitant le quartier Logpom à Douala est décédé il y’a quelque semaines des suites d’une maladie qu’on appelle le paludisme. Elle était reconnue dans son entourage comme une petite fille intelligente et respectueuse enfant.
Le cas de Patricia n’est pas isolé. Car le paludisme est une maladie mortelle qui décime les êtres humains à l’échelle mondiale. En effet, selon les statistiques fournies par le GMAP, le paludisme tue une personne toutes les 30 secondes, est responsable de 500 millions de cas de maladies chaque année, tue les enfants en particulier, et est endémique dans 109 pays, aggrave et renforce la pauvreté, et est ennemi permanent et resurgit chaque fois qu’il y’a ralentissement de la lutte contre le paludisme.
C’est fort de cette sombre situation que le GMAP, le plan d’action mondial contre le paludisme, est lancée comme stratégie par le partenariat « Roll Back Malaria » en septembre 2008 pour élaborer un cadre détaillé pour la lutte contre le paludisme dont la finalité est l’éradication de celui-ci.
La rencontre du 01 février avait pour souci le plaidoyer pour la lutte contre le paludisme au Cameroun. Il s’est agit pour les initiateurs de convaincre les uns et les autres que le problème est réel et que par conséquent, cela nécessite leur implication, et ce d’autant plus que, une seule main ne peut pas faire un nœud. Le représentant du Gouverneur de la région du littoral, Madame Rachel Sincon, a d’ailleurs souligné dans ses propos que les pouvoirs publics à eux seuls ne peuvent lutter contre cette terrible maladie, d’où la nécessité d’associer les partenaires comme les ONG ( Organisation de société civile) et même les populations à s’impliquer dans ce combat.
Rachel Sincon a tenu à rappeler la décision salutaire du président de la République, Son Excellence, Monsieur Paul Biya, relative à la gratuité du traitement du paludisme chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans et les femmes enceintes, et ces partenaires qui ont décidé de distribuer gratuitement les MILDA.
Le GMAP est le premier et unique projet global en matière de lutte contre le paludisme et son éradication. Car il vise à lutter contre le paludisme à une échelle beaucoup plus grande, fournit une feuille de route qui comprend tous les pays endémiques, assure que les résultats positifs réalisés au niveau régional restent permanents, empêche la réintroduction de parasites provenant de pays endémique.
Après la campagne de distribution des MILDA, l’heure est à la phase de plaidoyer, information et la communication avec les populations pour le changement de comportement. Il va s’agir de recenser ceux qui n’ont pas eut les MILDA pour qu’ils y entrent en possession lors des campagnes qui seront fait chaque année durant la période de 5 ans. Les organisations de la société civile (OSC) sont chargées de l’encadrement des organisations à base communautaires (OBC). Dans le cadre du programme, il faudra sensibiliser les populations sur la nécessité d’utiliser les MILDA afin de les décourager à les vendre, comme c’est le cas chez certains qui, après avoir eu une MILDA depuis des mois ne l’utilise pas, attendant une occasion pour la placer. Pour cela, les agents de la GMAP seront formés et formeront à leur tour ceux des communautaires à éviter les dérapages pendant l’exécution de la feuille de route mise en place par le GMAP.

WABA MWG Coordinator New Year Message 2012

On behalf of WABA MWG I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope your 2012 is off to a great start. The month of January is a time for new beginnings, but it is also a moment when we reflect on the previous year. In 2011, Men's Initiative began exciting new programs with a review of its activity sheet to meet up with current challenges. We lost dear ones, but we also received new faces on board. At the same time we have reaffirmed our commitment to continue to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in various ways through community of learning open distance skills training opportunities.
We are proud of all we achieved in 2011 especially with the reshaping of the Men's Initiative e-newsletter. We could not have done it without the support of all at WABA Secretariat, our partners, national networks, regional networks, donors and people like you, who are passionate about the work we do. In your various countries and regions, there are many ways you can play an active role in changing the world through information, education and support of expectant mothers and lactating mothers. Find out more about WABA Men’s Initiative campaigns and get creative with your awareness raising activities! Take a chance to inform and engage people on important global infant and young child feeding issues. Also remember that change doesn't happen on its own. We have to act collectively. When at http://uk.youtube.com/camlink99, click on breastfeeding promotion at the right corner and you will find yourself at"http://www.waba.org.my" web site. Congratulations to our IT specialists for connecting us better every day. We wish that 2012 should open the door for "Peace, Good Health, the achievement of your heart's desires and Happiness!
James Achanyi-Fontem
Coordinator,
WABA Men’s Initiative
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
You Tube: http://uk.youtube.com/camlink99
Online Radio: http://www.spreaker.com/page#!/show/the_camlink_douala_show

Plan Cameroon, BCH Africa and Cameroon Link sign SUFI Protocol Agreement

By CAMLINK SUFI
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
Plan Cameroon has signed a Tripartite Protocol Agreement with CAMEROON LINK and BCH Africa Civil Society Organisation (CSO) to implement advocacy and communication activities for behavioural change within the frame work of the fight against malaria in the territory of the Health District of Bonassama. Cameroon entered into an agreement with the World Bank Fund for the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to implement a 5-year project: “Scaling up Malaria Control for Impact in Cameroon (SUFI) 2011-2015”. Famari BARRO signed on behalf of Plan Cameroon, Kondji Konji Dominique signed on behalf of BCH Africa and James Achanyi-Fontem endorsed the agreement on behalf of Cameroon Link CSO.
The project is structured according to the “Dual Track”, model with the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health as the Principal Recipient 1 (PR1) and Plan Cameroon as Principal Recipient 2 (PR2). Three other sub recipients (SR) are ACMS, IRESCO and MC-CCAM. Plan Cameroon is responsible for the implementation of the advocacy and communication package for behavioural change in collaboration with its two sub-recipients which are IRESCO, MC-CCAM and the civil society organisations (OSC) at the regional level, Health Districts level and the Community Based Organizations (CBO) at the health area level. 10 CSO in ten regions of Cameroon, 179 CSO in Health Districts and 15.500 CBO Health areas of Cameroon are concerned with the implementation of SUFI project.
Within the framework of the project implementation calendar, Plan Cameroon, in its capacity as Principal Recipient has entrusted CAMEROON LINK with the responsibility to take part and follow up the implementation of the activities of the Round 9 SUFI Project in its capacity as representative of the civil society organisation selected in the Health District of Bonassama to ensure that the interests of the populations are taken into account and that they are involved in the adaptation of the activities for the fight against malaria to the realities of individual capacities and communities.
CAMEROON LINK has engaged to implement the project as presented in the chronogram of Plan Cameroon. It would be recalled that Plan Cameroon places the protection of the Child at the centre of its concerns and CAMEROON LINK is conforming to the same policy of child rights as presented in the agreement.
The signed protocol agreement on 25th January,has been concluded to cover a period of 12 months from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 and It could be renewed on the basis of a positive evaluation of the performance of the activities carried out by CAMEROON LINK. Plan will put at the disposal of CAMEROON LINK, all the necessary documents and information tools for the good execution of the activities of SUFI in the Health District of Bonassama through BCH-AFRICA, which was selected as the regional civil society organisation to supervise activities in the Littoral region of Cameroon. BCH-AFRICA will also support CAMEROON LINK in facilitation where need would arise.

Men’s Support for Breastfeeding

By James Achanyi-Fontem
CEO, Cameroon Link
WABA Men’s Working Group Coordinator
Email:camlink99@gmail.com
Why involve men in breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is an important part of reproduction and health that biologically involves mothers and children. However, breastfeeding also concerns fathers as their attitudes towards breastfeeding strongly influence the mothers own point of view.
Fathers are generally an important source of support in a mother´s decision to breastfeed and in its implementation. There is also a positive connection between the degree of father support and the total duration of breastfeeding. A father´s involvement in the breastfeeding situation strengthens his relationship to both the child and partner, and helps him to develop his parental role in general. Highlighting the father’s role in more general terms such as parenting can broaden the argument for supporting breastfeeding.

Advantages of an active father role in parenting

Acclaimed researchers describe several advantages when both parents are active and engaged in taking care of children, compared to only one active parent. A few examples:
• Children’s psychological development and social skills are favoured in the communication with two committed parents.
• Fathers develop their empathic ability, considering that women are more trained at this.
• A more equal division of responsibilities increases the possibilities for both parents to fill many roles within the family complex, which tend to make them more satisfied with their lives.
• Cultures where fathers are more committed to childcare seem to produce less hostility and violence between men and women, compared to other cultures.

The role of the father is a gender issue

Gender that is considered to be masculinity versus femininity is a system of continually evolving social practices, which defines roles, assigns resources, and establishes power relations. According to this definition, gender roles are dynamic, constructed through social interaction, reinforced and reproduced by social institutions.
Gender researchers claim that as long as women are assumed to be more responsible than men for childcare, women´s role as mothers will continue to be a major obstacle to their achieving economic and social equality with men. Therefore, father’s involvement in childcare, including breastfeeding, is clearly a gender issue.
Gender equity and equality work towards a society where women and men have equal opportunities, rights and obligations in all aspects of life. From a gender perspective, how paid work and care giving are combined reflects assumptions and norms in the gendered situations of family and work.

Learning about gender issues – for all men

A father’s relation to breastfeeding relates to his and the environments perception of what his role should be. Traditionally, caring for children is not an important part of the concept of masculinity, as it is in the concept of femininity. This issue must be discussed and our ideas about masculinity must be challenged.
Just like the mothers, fathers need knowledge and incentives to be supportive. Attitudes concerning breastfeeding are influenced from all kinds of sources surrounding the family - relatives, friends, practitioners, legislators - and these attitudes can be linked to values of lifestyle and stereotype gender roles. In this perspective breastfeeding should be a concern, not only for fathers, but for all men.

Enabling men to be more supportive
Parental education
Many men need to be better prepared to assume a role as breastfeeding supporters. Studies have shown that breastfeeding education and promotion programs have effects on knowledge, attitudes and support for breastfeeding. Evidence suggests that even simple and inexpensive interventions can increase the level of breastfeeding knowledge of men.
In his supportive role it is also important that the father understands what it means for a woman, both physically and psychologically, to go through pregnancy, delivery and start breastfeeding. A well informed father knows the importance of being patient and sensitive as the mother recovers from the birth experience and gains confidence in breastfeeding. By importing the same knowledge and sharing the breastfeeding moments, the father is helping the new mother to gain breastfeeding skills. He can also protect her from misinformation about breastfeeding in the community, or even well-meant advice from friends and relatives. Sharing the care and responsibility of the new life will strengthen the parental relationship in this difficult period of transition and adjustment.
Today most preparatory courses for parents are organized by the maternity health care. The education is generally of a practical nature and focusing on medical factors of pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. This important forum should also involve issues of social and individual change, and create space for especially fathers to reflect on their situation and role. By focusing on and activating fathers, their role strengthens and they get a wider knowledge, more adjusted to their life situation and thus more useful to them.
There are, of course, many different ways to construct a support group for parents, where they get information and can discuss parenthood. The right way to do it depends on the interests and needs of the people you are aiming at. For instance, a group of men work differently a few months before delivery compared to some months after the child is born.
It is generally easier to reach fathers before delivery than after, which is the time when most decisions on infant feeding are made. The most crucial step is how you invite them to participate: what kind of information about the group is shared, who it is that deliver this information and through which channel. In reaching fathers, it might be better if the "speaker" is a man that the forum addresses complimentary issues that you would expect the target group to be interested in like economics of breastfeeding. This will help to avoid pictures and expressions that might come through as feminine in any printed material, etc

Supporting fathers

Fathers need support to be supportive. During the period of pregnancy, the expectant mother attends counseling sessions at the clinic, but her partner is not counseled. A father that views himself to be subordinate as parent and does his part mostly out of expectation and duty is not likely to give support of a higher quality. It is important for the mother to trust her partner and to show that trust by inviting him to jointly take care of the little child. The father can also be motivated by understanding the advantages of him spending time with the baby, for example that it is likely to benefit the well-being of the whole family.
In becoming a parent, mothers are generally more in touch with examining this new step in life compared to fathers. The supportive role of the father is depending on the values of people around him. Often it is not expected of a father to engage himself in the care of the newborn baby.
A mother may need time and space for relaxation, especially when the child is anxious or ill. Those periods it is an advantage if the father and child have developed a contact that allows the mother to be alone for awhile, to rest and regain strength without having to worry about the other two. This procedure of course requires that the mother is willing to give this confidence and that the father wants to take it. Breastfeeding can sometimes inhibit fathers from developing close relationships to their children and also have a negative effect on the parent relationship. This is a concern that has to be dealt with. Fathers may feel excluded, jealous and resentful to the detriment of breastfeeding success and the adult couple relationship. Helping fathers to find other ways and situations where they can develop a close relationship with their child will be important.
Fathers sometimes feel neglected and made disassociated by relatives, friends and even the maternity services. Fathers can feel themselves as”parent number two” or, even worse, not to be reckoned with as child-care givers at all. Maternity services should develop methods that signal to fathers that they are important and offer them special information on papers or arranging special father groups or meetings.

Delivering right messages

Information can, if delivered in a right way, influence fathers and change their views and behaviour. Engaging with family professionals can impact positively on fathers’ negative behaviour and parenting styles; increase their knowledge and understanding of child development; increase their confidence in their parenting skills; and lead to more sensitive and positive parenting and to greater involvement in infant and child care, and in interaction with children.
In countries where it is accepted that fathers are present during delivery, fathers should be encouraged to do so as his presence during delivery seems to have positive effects on the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Having the father nearby during the first hours after labor seems to make it easier for mothers to successfully initiate breastfeeding and also seems to positively influence the duration of breastfeeding. This needs to be encouraged.

Father´s attitudes towards breastfeeding

Some fathers harbor misconceptions and negative attitudes toward breastfeeding. To overcome obstacles, issues of breastfeeding need to be discussed with both parents, during childbirth preparation classes and prenatal visits. Professionals must make sure that this information reaches the fathers.
The two most common ideas about reasons for the negative attitudes of fathers is concern that their partner's breasts may be exposed to others and that the breasts may change and get less attractive. Actually there is not much knowledge about why some fathers are negative about breastfeeding. If we knew more about this, better measures could be taken.
As described above, a mother's perception of her partner's attitudes toward breastfeeding influences her choice of infant feeding method. However, she is often wrong about this. Scientific research has shown that fathers may have more favorable attitudes toward breastfeeding than their partners think.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a common affliction which severely can lower mothers’ incentive to breastfeed and in other ways cause difficulties to babies’ health. If rightly informed, fathers can be made watchers over the psychological health of their partner, as they are likely to know them rather well and notice if there is some serious trouble arising, and if necessary act so help can be requested through contact with the local maternity service or others.

Young fathers

Young fathers can be seen as a special risk group. Young fathers have a harder time identifying themselves as fathers and, surprisingly enough, professionals tend to neglect them. Also, concerning young couples, the quality of the relationship between the couple themselves seem to be the most important factor for high father involvement the months after birth. This is another argument for involving the importance of the parental relationship in the information offered by the maternity health care and other professionals

Actions for behavior change communication

•Breastfeeding education should be provided to all adult family members, including the father.
•Parenting interventions should always include fathers.
•Give professionals training and methods to reach and educate parents in a way that promotes breastfeeding. Methods may need to be developed to meet the requirements of today’s parents. Among other things a modern and thoroughly accomplished preparatory course would give parents tools for creating a family situation aiming at communication, support and satisfaction, which is favorable to everyone concerned, including the child.
•The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding plus partial breastfeeding until the child is two years old. This step should be taken by authorities in all countries.
•Spread the knowledge that children are favored by much contact with both its parents.
•A father should be encouraged to let his partner frequently know that he approves of her breastfeeding, and let others know as well.
•Spread images that taking care of children is a masculine behavior.
•Influence politicians and governments to produce laws that give fathers the possibilities to engage more in the concerns of home and children, and mothers the possibilities to engage more in bread-winning labor.
•Start groups for fathers, especially those who live in a vulnerable life situation. Remember that a first time father usually has no knowledge about all the facts that could be important for him and his child, what his role could be, and that he has to battle against much of prejudice if he wants to become what he can become as a father.
•Find out why fathers have negative views towards breastfeeding and with that knowledge know what to do and how to meet those attitudes...
•Many representatives of society must embrace that they are working in organizational structures that are built long ago and as such carries old values, and that it is one of the duties of these professionals to acknowledge this and make efforts for change.
•Men (and boys) should encourage other men (and boys) to engage in taking greater responsibility in domestic work, caring for children, safe sex and family planning.

Scaling Up Malaria Prevention For Impact

By James Achanyi-Fontem
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
Cameroon is participating in the scaling up malaria prevention for impact, within the Global Fund Round 9 Program Award. To achieve this, the Cameroon national malaria program organised a vast training workshop in all ten regional capitals of the country with the involvement of Health District Medical Chief,Health Bureau Heads Civil Society Organisation (CSO)leaders and Community Based Organisations (CBO) leaders.
In the littoral region, where the head office of Cameroon Link is implanted, Dr. Fondjo Etienne, Sibetcheu Daniel, Biyik and Dr. Noufack Gertrude Bita, were charged as central national supervisors with Dr. Bita Fouda as the general supervisor of the training in Douala, economic capital of Cameroon to scale up the program in 19 health district of the littoral.
During the training, Dr. Fondjio Etienne, videoed on camlink99 YouTube said, 8.654.731 long duration impregnated mosquito nets will be distributed from August 20, 2011 within 6 days throughout the national territory at the same time. The official launching of the national campaign to kick out mosquitoes from communities will be launched by the Head of state, President Paul Biya.
The training organized throughout Cameroon aims at informing, educating, communicating and sharing experiences on how the scaling up strategies could be effected without any hitch. Regional facilitators and supervisors have been trained and it was the turn of the leaders of the Civil Society Organisations and Community Based Organisations to capacitate them on the message to take to the populations within communities during the campaign.
The first phase will consist of counting the beneficiaries of the impregnated mosquito nets of long duration, to document the number of vouchers that will be distributed in exchange of the nets when the time comes. In affect, all households will be visited by persons recruited as social mobilizers and and registers during the campaign. Officially opening the training in Douala, Dr. Bita Fouda told the participants that the campaign must be of high quality, since all development target groups have been associated to the exercise on the field. This video has been brought to you by Cameroon Link for sharing,because this is the largest and most expensive malaria campaign that Cameroon has ever had. Cameroon Link was selected as the Civil Society Organisation to monitor the campaign in the Health District of Bonasssama supervised by Dr. Nzima Nzima Valery.

Prof. Michael Latham: A Nutrition Baobab Falls

By James Achanyi-Fontem
Coordinator, WABA Men’s Initiative
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
Emeritus Professor Michael Latham passed into transition peacefully around 4:30pm on(April 1, 2011). He was surrounded by his sons and friends during his transition. Michael 's leadership and devotion to human nutrition worldwide lives on in the many graduate students he has trained, who have gone on to be leaders in their own right, as well as in the many colleagues he has influenced through his research and writings. Michael was seen as a "Living Legend" in international nutrition and this loss is especially painful for Cornell University and the Division of Nutritional Sciences. Considering his activities during the WABA conferences, the members of Men’s Working Group have lost a deeply caring, thoughtful and committed colleague.
The family believes Michael is still with us, just in a different way. They really appreciated all of the support during Michael's period of poor health and they expect to read more about his life in the days ahead. The United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition issued an award of merit to Michael Latham for his outstanding lifelong contributions and service to nutrition in Hanoi, Vietnam in March 2008. Professor Michael Latham was honoured by Dr. Elisabeth Sterken, the Chair of NGO/Civil Society Group who highlighted his important contributions to advancing health and nutrition among mothers and children. Professor Latham has had a distinguished career in academia and in health service, working in Tanzania and Uganda in Africa before joining the Graduate School of Nutrition at Cornell University where he continues to supervise students. He is a cofounder and co-chair of the advisory group of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. His legacy however, is through his students who work throughout the world extending his commitment to maternal and child health.
Still in 2008, about 60 former students of Cornell Professor Michael Latham and his international nutrition program honoured their former professor at Cornell, July 3-6.
The Cornell International Nutrition Alums Reunion celebrated Latham's 40 years as professor of international nutrition, his scientific and other contributions to health and nutrition worldwide and his 80th birthday. Alumni hailed from such countries as Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania, Guatemala, Sweden and Haiti, as well as from many parts of the United States and Canada.
In May 2007, the African Nutrition Graduate Students Network (AGSNet) presented its first lifetime achievement award to Dr. Michael C. Latham (right), professor emeritus and graduate school professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell, for his work to improve nutrition in Africa.
The award was presented at the first conference of the Federation of African Societies of Nutrition in Ouarzazate, Morocco, May 7-9, 2007. A day earlier, Dr. Latham delivered the inaugural address, "Combating Infections to Control Malnutrition," at the second biennial conference of AGSNet, which was founded at Cornell with the help of then UNU Food and Nutrition Programme (UNU-FNP) director Cr. Cutberto Garza. UNU-FNP still sponsors the network.
Dr. Latham was director of Cornell's Program in International Nutrition for 25 years. He also authored several books, including Kilimanjaro Tales: The Saga of a Medical Family in Africa, Human Nutrition in Tropical Africa and Human Nutrition in the Developing World" and more than 350 journal articles. He frequently served as a consultant in Africa, Asia and Latin America for the World Health Organization, UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank and the White House. In 1994 he consulted with Fidel Castro on how to curb Cuba's neuropathy epidemic.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Donates To Farm Radio International

By James Achanyi-Fontem, Cameroon
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
The Executive Director of Farm Radio International, Kervin Perkins, has informed its African Partner Organizations that Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will continue to give support to FRI work in 2011. This information was made known in the FRI Weekly Bulletin of February 2011
To break the news, Kervin Perkins said, 2011 is off to a great start, at a time FRI completed the 42-month African Farm Radio Research Initiative (AFRRI) and was already pulling together reports and spreading the news about what it learned because of the research.
FRI director acknowledged that FRI gathered compelling evidence, for the first time, that participatory radio works and works well! This means that when radio programs feature farmers' voices and perspectives and features practical, sustainable farming practices they are very widely listened to and have a measurable significant impact on farmers' knowledge and most importantly, their practices.
On the strength of these findings and the outstanding work of Farm Radio International's staff in Africa and Ottawa, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has offered a second grant to allow us FRI extend effective farm radio services to more farmers in more countries! The 92nd script package released in late December 2010, focuses on the very important issue of water integrity in Africa.
Farm Radio Weekly, is FRI electronic bulletin of news and information about small scale-farming for African radio broadcasters, and it passed the 1000 African subscriber mark in 2010. To strengthen its ability to serve these rural broadcasters even better, FRI have opened two small news bureaus in Africa - one in Malawi, and one in Burkina Faso. These bureaus are already generating original stories about farming issues for Farm Radio Weekly. Another exciting piece of news is that the 2010 winner of the George Atkins Communication Award, Grace Amito, will visit Canada in March 2011.
Grace is the producer and host of farm radio programs at Mega FM in Northern Uganda. During her travel to Canada, she will meet with and give presentations to friends of Farm Radio International in Ottawa, Toronto, Guelph and Montreal. Friends and donors to Farm Radio International will get hard facts about Africa and the work of FRI during the rounds. Brenda Jackson at brenda@farmradio.org is booking appointments on this eventful trip by our African colleague. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions on how to expand FRI work in Africa, please email Kervin Perkins through kperkins@farmradio.org.

World's Oldest Person Passes Through Transition

By James Achanyi-Fontem
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
Eunice Sanborn,114, from Texas, USA died on Monday, January 31, 2011, Eunice was believed to be the world's oldest person on earth until she passed away, although she had maintained she was actually 115.
Eunice Sanborn died at 6 a.m. at her home in Jacksonville, her close friend and caretaker, David French, told the Jacksonville Daily Progress. David French, Sanborn's “adopted” son and caretaker, said her death was a peaceful one.“The Lord just called her home,” he said. “He had been using her as a powerful witness for 115 years.
“It was a very peaceful death. She was not uncomfortable.”
Sanborn has been a Jacksonville icon for years, thanks to her involvement in the community and her ownership of Love's Lookout. She rose to nationwide fame in April 2010, however, when she was declared the oldest living person in the U.S.
Not long after, in November 2010, she was declared the world's oldest living person upon the death of Eugenie Blanchard, a nun from the French West Indies.
Sanborn turned 115 in July 2010 and lived at home with 24-hour care until her death.
She was born July 20, 1895, in Lake Charles, La.
Jacksonville Daily Progress / AFP / Getty Images
Eunice Sanborn, who was recognized as the world's oldest person, died at her home in Jacksonville, Texas. According to official records, she was 114 years old, but she maintained she was really 115.
"The Lord just called her home," French said. "He has been using her as powerful witness for 115 years."
Census records show Sanborn was born on July 20, 1896, in Lake Charles, La., according to the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group, which listed Sanborn as the world's oldest person.
But French said Sanborn always maintained the Census Bureau had made a mistake and she was really born in 1895. She celebrated what she believed was her 115th birthday on July 20, 2010 Agence France-Presse reported.
Sanborn became known as the world's oldest person on Nov. 4, when French nun Eugenie Blanchard died at age 114 on the French Caribbean island of St. Barthelemy, The Associated Press said.
The distinction now goes to 114-year-old Besse Cooper, who was born on Aug. 26, 1896, and lives in Georgia, the Gerontology Research Group said. Walter Breuning, of Montana, also 114, now becomes the world's second-oldest person. He was born Sept. 21, 1896.
Sanborn was married and widowed three times, according to a 2008 profile in the Houston Chronicle. Her third husband died in 1979. She also outlived her only child, a daughter.

Men Supporting Mothers through COL

Learning from Community Media:
Participation, Education & Development
By James Achanyi-Fontem
Email: camlink2001@gmail.com
Sir John Daniel, the President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Learning, COL, Prof. Asha Kenwar and Ian Pringle respectively, are names that media professionals, who attended the 6th Pan COL held at Kochi, India from the 24th – 28 November 2010 will live to remember for consolidating partnerships on how the agenda of Mother and Child Health Care can be taken one step forward.“Linking Media to Health Development”, which Cameroon Link addressed, was demonstrated through a Radio in a Box experiment at the Meridien Forum Centre in Kochi.throughout the period of the forum attended by over 600 delegates.
The Vice President of Col, Prof. Asha Kenwar, who also doubles as the Programme Director, was taken live on “Radio Commons” at the PCF6 Centre. This COL Forum Initiative aimed at showing how all sectors of the community can be involved in project design, decision making, execution, monitoring and evaluation for Mother and Child Health Care promotion.
The WABA Men’s Initiative Coordinator and Executive Director of Cameroon Link highlighted the current project in Lebialem, south west region of Cameroon producing programmes on the issues of “Mother and Child Health Care” delivered through Lebialem Community Radio as a good example.
Cameroon Link mapped the community’s human resource, and gave equal participation opportunities for involvement of both men and women, including young persons living within the community to tell their stories as a Community of Learning process.
The involvement of men and youths in communities for mother and child health care support creates an enabling environment where men and youths, particularly fathers or partners, participate actively in sharing responsibilities with women as far as caring for their infants and young children is concerned.
In mapping the human resource capital, representatives are drawn from the radio station, the public service sector, traditional leadership, health, education, social welfare and civil society organisations. In effect, the mother and child health care community of learning action is participatory.
The small people in the community are used to address big issues. They are invited for exchanges and decision making meetings regularly. It is during the community development committee meetings that the issues are introduced. Those selected are people who are readily available and accept to service as volunteers, they are respected and accessible by their peers within the community.
During the process, it is often discovered that most of those elected for training to produce the radio programmes are already playing a role of animators within their community or development committee.
Almost every man or woman in the community is known to belong to a meeting group, where regular exchanges take place on weekly basis. Training the members of the orientation committee of local broadcasters only comes to add to their existing skills and capacity; especially as the language of delivery of the healthy community learning programmes for behaviour change is a popular local language.
Cameroon Link’s current activities focus on “Mother and Child Health Care” rights as part of the men’s advocacy channel for behaviour change communication.
As such, the health programmes,
• Continue to challenge trade laws that prioritize profit over access to life-saving possibilities.
• Create men’s, women’s leadership and ownership training opportunities within local communities by the establishment of or collaboration with local health area men/women gender councils and related health taskforces.
• Educate, inform, lobby funding organizations and service providers for the involvement of young persons, especially teen mothers in care and support activities,
• Promote social norm change campaigns through publications, participation in local community radio and television programmes, fostering relationships with media outlets and through well recognized male and female celebrities for the promotion of women and child rights.
• Participate in planning, organizing and broadcasting programmes during UN international and national days with women’s involvement in radio live shows and pre-recorded programmes on Mother and Child Health Care rights..

OBJECTIVES
The Community Learning Programmes on Radio
* increase the awareness of need for and the value of male and youth to participate equqlly in the execution of the radio programmes.
* disseminate information updates on mother and child health care though the radio programme.
* create optimal conditions for the provision of support to the mother

Specific objectives
It is understood that the subject of mother and child health care is very vast and this explains the reasons for putting in place an orientation committee to discuss and decide on the issues treated during the week’s session. This explains why the specific objectives are:
- To inculcate the mastery of basic principles of mother and child health care.
- To advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment through government’s increased allocation for gender-sensitive policies and programmes.
- To vulgarize the main points on the support that mothers merits from their partners;
- To create radio mothers’, fathers’ and youths’ support clubs within the communities to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies for the first six months exclusively and continue with complimentary feeding, thereafter with continued breastfeeding up to six months and beyond.
- To educate youths and men on the international code advocacy and monitoring of marketing by formula producing companies and distributors.
- To Organize HIV prevention and home care radio campaigns.

Perspective
It is the role of the radio station to create conducive environment for their involvement of men and youths to appropriate and own the programme through their support to mothers.
- The other media, tv and newspapers, are used as complimentary channels and tools for community outreach on the involvement of men and youths for mother support.
- Youths Social mobilization conferences are organized in colleges for students of examination classes. This is seen as a special target in the community for the acceleration of behavior change.

Cameroon Link Activities Sheet
Cameroon Link, acting as COL Partnership Liaison makes sure that an activity sheet is designed and used for monitoring and evaluation. Key activities on the sheet are:
• Radio Press Releases
• Radio, television and video programming.
• Radio Press Conferences
• Past Events Film Screening on market days
• Recycling and organization of workshops for community broadcasters
• Seminars for community leaders and heads of educational institutions
• Organisation of panels recording of programmes.
• Photos, posters, story and drama competitions for colleges
• Lectures, educative talks, debates and testimonies
• Concerts, street drama, plays and theatres
• Community social mobilisation: Organisation of Radio Quiz, distribution of stickers, message leaflets, information kits and other promotion publications

8th IBFAN Africa Conference Holds in Mauritius

By James Achanyi-Fontem
Email: camlink99@gmail.com

Africa rekindled child survival and maternal health interventions towards the attainment of Millennium Development Goals through effective integration of Infant and Young Child Feeding Programmes at Port Louis, Mauritius from the 20th September 2010.Men were really involved in this conference. Just read through this page and discover it for yourself.It was also gender oriented...
The conference was organised by the International Baby Food Action Network, IBFAN Africa with the support of the World Health Organisation,UNICEF and the government of Mauritius.It would be recalled that the Regional IBFAN Africa office supports 32 countries: 27 countries in Anglophone Africa:Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe and 5 countries in Lusophone Africa:Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tomé & Principe.
Countries in the African region as well as world-wide, pledged to reduce under-five mortality rate by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015. “Child survival and maternity health” is the Millennium Development Goal 4.
Subsequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued Infant Feeding Guidelines which recommended that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Thereafter, to meet their evolving nutritional requirements, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond.
It is estimated that 10% to 15% of under-five deaths in resource poor countries can be prevented through achievement of 90% coverage with exclusive breastfeeding alone. Studies highlight that breastfed infants have fewer respiratory and diarrhoeal illnesses, with an overall decrease in the hospitalization rates than non-breastfed infants.
It is estimated that reaching all infants with a package of interventions to protect, promote and support optimal infant and young child feeding practices - breastfeeding and complementary feeding can contribute to preventing 1.4 million and 600,000 child deaths respectively, or just over a fifth of the total annual child deaths.
The good news is that breastfeeding rates are not declining any more on a global level and have increased during the last decade in many countries, due to concerted programming efforts. Recent data highlights that there has been substantial and encouraging progress over the last 10 years in over a dozen countries, where exclusive breastfeeding rates increased by 20 percentage points or more (UNICEF database, 2007).
Many of these countries are in sub-Saharan Africa. These successes show that progress is possible, even in challenging situations. Positive outcomes are achieved when countries implement at scale, a comprehensive approach to improving infant feeding practices. This could include efforts at the level of policy and legislation, health system strengthening and capacity building, community-level action and behaviour change communication initiatives.
Improving breastfeeding practices requires behaviour change, something that does not happen
spontaneously and without encouragement and support at the family and community levels. This effort is recognized in the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, which includes community based interventions as one of the new operational targets.
Given the fact that women’s capability to breastfeed is determined by both social and cultural factors, as well as medical and technical factors, mainstreaming IYCF requires both communication for behaviour change at all levels of the population, as well as skilled counseling and guidance given to women from the time of childbirth onwards. Mainstreaming of optimal IYCF, inclusion of breastfeeding indicators in outcome evaluations, capacity building for effective improvement in breastfeeding rates and building public awareness on the importance of breastfeeding is crucial to meet MDG-4, for improving child survival is of immense importance for the Africa network as well as to fulfill the global desire to achieve the MDGs for nutrition and child survival.
Evidence based preventive measures like optimal infant and young child feeding are important tools to achieve these goals. For the African continent, there is an urgent need to contribute to the ongoing efforts by various partners including NGOs, government and UN agencies.
Each member of the network must impart the essential service of infant feeding counselling to the mothers and families coming in contact with him/her. This may require sensitization of everyone coming in contact with the mother and counselling on infant feeding by a trained person.

Conference Background

IBFAN Africa Regional Meeting is a strategic planning activity that is held once every three years for IBFAN members in the Anglophone and Lusophone countries. The meeting hosts National Coordinators of infant and young child feeding programmes and group leaders from about 33 member countries in Africa. To attend these meetings, IBFAN friends, partners, donors and collaborators are also invited.
The Regional Meeting in Muritius was an opportunity to:
• Enrich and update participants on new issues and developments on Infant and Young Child Feeding;
• Provide a forum for reviewing progress of our work and sharing of experiences and information;
• Create consensus on interpretation of new knowledge and matters of mutual benefits, and
• Make recommendations on the strategic direction for the Network in IYCF for the next 3 years.
• Regional Meetings are also an opportunity for IBFAN members to elect the IBFAN Africa Advisory Committee (IAAC) members. The term of office of Dr. Lourdes Fidalgo of Mozambique as chairperson was extended for another three years. The Advisory Committee formulates major IBFAN regional policies and advices the Regional Coordinator on issues of implementation and coordination of regional programme.

ABOUT IBFAN

IBFAN represents a global network linking over 200 groups in around 100 countries both in the North and the South. It was founded by a number of NGOs in 1979, following a WHO/ UNICEF international meeting on IYCF. This meeting culminated in the adoption of the International Code on Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. The Code was adopted in 1981 by an overwhelming majority of 118 Member States. IBFAN was given the mandate to support governments in adopting, implementing and monitoring compliance to the Code.
The 8th IBFAN Africa Conference in Mauritius was the first during the mandate of the current Regional Coordinator, Joyce Chanetsa.
Joyce brought in key international facilitators to the conference in Mauritius: Dr. Linda Beyer of UNICEF presented the paper on the work of her organisation and current orientations, Dr. Charles Moses Sagoe of WHO spoke on the new recommendations relevant to breastfeeding in the context of HIV, Dr. J.P. Dadhich, who is National Coordinator of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India(BPNI)to talk about the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative(WBTi), Mr. Hussein H.T. Tarimo, who works with the Ministry of health in Gabrone, Botswana (Food Safety Principal Scientific Officer), Eliane Petitat-Côté from IBFAN-GIFA in Switzerland, who addressed human rights based approaches, as member of the Child Rights Commission and Yousouf Jhugroo, Chief Executive of the Institute for Consumer Protection, Mauritian Action for the promotion of Breastfeeding and Infant Nutrition just to name a few. Yousouf was the key host person of the IBFAN Africa Conference. He put the participants in Manisa Beach Hotel and we use this opportunity to express thanks and gratitude for the hospitality of the hotel management and staff.
The 8th IBFAN Africa Regional Conference was one of success stories, especially as country progress on Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and community Mother and Baby Friendly Initiative(BFCI) were highlighted amongst other issues. Cameroon chaired the session on Thursday, 23rd September 2010 on collaboration issues and election of the new board.
The peak of the IBFAN Africa conference was the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Innocenti Declaration and the award of certificates to meritorious individuals and groups. Cameroon bagged a Certificate of Appreciation for its indefatigable work on behalf of Africa's women and children and assiduous reporting to IBFAN Africa.

SMAM 2010 AU CAMEROUN

COMPTE RENDU DES ACTIVITES DE LA SMAM 2010 AU COGESID BONAMIKANO, AVEC LA COLLABORATION DU PARRAIN, M. James ACHANYI FONTEM …
Par Mme Priscille Mouto
La Présidente COGESID
Bonamikano-Douala,Cameroun
Après avoir participé aux réunions préparatoires de la SMAM 2010 au ministère de la santé à Yaoundé vint le jour du lancement officiel des activités de la semaine. Ce fut le 03/08/10 que le ministre de la santé à André MAMA FOUDA à procédé au lancement officiel à HGOPY (hôpital gynéco-obstétrique et pédiatrique de Yaoundé). Etaient présents d’autres ministres nationaux, le président FECABPA (Fédération Camerounaise de la Promotion de l’allaitement Maternel), des représentants des organismes internationaux tels que : l’UNICEF, HKI, Helene kelly Foundation etc.
Comme il est d’usage qu’après le lancement officiel, chaque association rentre dans son district de santé pour organiser des rencontres, dans le but de sensibiliser les femmes et les hommes, le personnel médical et surtout de transmettre le message du ministre de la santé, sans oublier des orientations des organismes internationaux sur la question de l’allaitement maternel.
Le 04/08/10 Cogesid Bonamikano a organisé une rencontre au centre de santé sis à Bonambappe-Bonassama.
Nous avons d’abord eu un entretien avec le personnel de santé du centre, puis tour à tour avec ce personnel, le président de la FECABPA Mr Achanyi Fontem et moi-même présidente de COGESID Bonamikano, Priscille mouto, avons expliqués le thème de l’année à savoir : « les 10 Conditions pour le succès de l’allaitement ».
Nous avons été couverte par lles media, a télévision Canal 2 Tv, qui a fait large diffusion de cette semaine avec une emission speciale et M. Achanyi Fontem était l’invité.
Près d’une cinquantaine de femmes avaient répondu présentes à cette rencontre. Entre autres, nous avons assisté à la démonstration et à la mise au sein correcte par quelques mamans volontaires dont l’une ayant des jumelles de 7 mois, celles-ci prenant le lait maternel uniquement depuis leur naissance. Les tricots et savons ont été distribués à chaque maman présente pendant la causeries éducative.
Il a été aussi convenu avec les mamans, la création d’un groupe de soutien des mères le 25 aout 2010.

SMAM 2010 Est Là !

LA REUNION PREPARATOIRE DE LA 19eme EDITION DE LA SEMAINE MONDIALE DE L’ALLAITEMENT MA TERNEL (SMAM 2010)
Thème: « Allaitement Maternel: Suivre les Dix Conditions pour Garantir la Sante de l'Enfant et de la Mère ».
Le vendredi, 09 juillet 2010, s’est tenue dans la salle de réunion de la Direction de la Promotion de la Sante, la première réunion préparatoire de la Semaine Mondiale de l’Allaitement Maternel (SMAM 2010) sous la présidence de Monsieur OKALA Georges, Sous-directeur de l’alimentation et de la Nutrition en lieu et place du Directeur de la Promotion de la Sante empêché. 43 personnes ont participés à la réunion.
La liste des participants est jointe en annexe. Quatre points étaient inscrits à l’ordre du jour, à savoir:
1. Mot introductif du Directeur de la Promotion de la Sante;
2. Présentation du thème de la SMAM 2010 ;
3. Présentation des plans d'action des Associations;
4. Questions diverses.
1- Mot introductif du Sous-directeur de I ‘alimentation et de la Nutrition dans son mot introductif, le Sous-directeur de l'alimentation et de la Nutrition, a tout d'abord adressé les remerciements à tous les participants et leur a souhaite la bienvenue à cette première réunion préparatoire.
Il a ensuite évoque l'augmentation du taux de l'allaitement maternel au vu des statistiques : 1 % il y a 15 ans, 11 % environ en 1998 et en 2006, nous sommes passés a 24 %. La mise au sein à l'heure qui suit l'accouchement a pris également le même chemin. Il a rappelé que la SMAM est un moment ou nous nous arrêtons pour réfléchir et faire le point.
Apres ce propos liminaire, l’ordre du jour proposé a été adopte.
2- Présentation du thème de la SMAM 2010
Le thème retenu cette année est « Allaitement Maternel: Suivre les Dix Conditions pour Garantir la Sante de I’ Enfant et de la Mère ».
Les dix conditions pour le succès de I' allaitement, recommandées à tout établissement qui fournit des services de maternité et des soins au nouveau-né sont:
1. Adopter une politique d’allaitement maternel formulée par écrit.
2. Donner à tous les membres du personnel soignant les compétences nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre cette politique.
3. Informer toutes les femmes enceintes des avantages de I' allaitement maternel.
4. Placer le bébé en peau a peau avec sa mère immédiatement à la naissance, pendant au moins une heure et encourager la mère a reconnaitre quand le bébé est prêt a téter, en proposant de I' aide si besoin.
5. Indiquer aux mères comment pratiquer I' allaitement au sein et comment entretenir la lactation même si elles se trouvent séparées de leur nourrisson.
6. Ne donner aux nouveau-nés aucun aliment ni aucune boisson autre que le lait maternel, sauf indication médicale.
7. Laisser l'enfant avec sa mère 24h/24h par jour.
8. Encourager I' allaitement au sein à la demande de I' enfant.
9. Ne donner aux enfants nourris au sein aucune tétine artificielle ou sucette.
10. Encourager la constitution d'associations de soutien a l'allaitement maternel et leur adresser les mères des leur sortie de l'hôpital ou de la clinique.
Apres la présentation de ces conditions, les objectifs et les résultats attendus de la SMAM 2010 ont également été présentés :
OBJECTIFS DE LA SMAM 2010
• Souligner la contribution importante des Dix Conditions a I' allaitement maternel exclusif;
• Dynamiser les activités au sein des systèmes de sante, et parmi les agents de sante et les communautés, afin de soutenir les femmes dans leur projet d’allaitement;
• Informer les gens partout dans le monde que la protection, la promotion et le soutien de l’allaitement maternel est un droit de la mère, un droit de l’enfant, et un droit humain ;
• Permettre aux femmes et a tous ceux qui se soucient des droits humains de se battre en faveur des systèmes de soins qui soutiennent I' allaitement maternel ;
• Assurer que les agents de sante qui prennent soin des mères et des bébés aient une formation adéquate pour conseiller et soutenir I’ alimentation optimale du nourrisson.
Résultats attendus
• .La contribution des Dix Conditions a I' allaitement maternel exclusif soulignée;
• Les activités au sein des systèmes de sante et parmi les agents de sante et les communautés dynamisées, afin de soutenir les femmes dans leur projet de l’allaitement;
• .Les leaders informés que la protection, la promotion et le soutien de l'allaitement maternel sont des droits de la mère, de l'enfant et des droits humains;
• Les femmes et tous ceux qui se soucient des droits humains aptes à se battre en faveur des systèmes de soins qui soutiennent I ‘allaitement maternel;
• Les agents de sante qui prennent soin des mères et des bébés adéquatement formés pour conseiller et soutenir l'alimentation optimale au nourrisson.
Le Président de Cameroon Link, James Achanyi-Fontem, est intervenu à la suite de ces présentations
pour réitérer les VOEUX de la WABA de 2010 qui est celui d’avoir plus de 22.000 hôpitaux Ami des Bébés cette année. II a suggéré que le Ministère de la Sante puisse évaluer les Hôpitaux Amis des Bébés parce que le Cameroun n'a aucun Hôpital Amis des Bébés labélisé jusqu' a présent.
Certains représentants des structures sanitaires ont soulevé le problème de la promotion faite par les fabricants et distributeurs des laits artificiel ainsi que leur influence sur les responsables des établissements qui fournissent des services de maternité par la remise des dons de laits artificiels. Les participants ont sollicite l'intervention du Ministre de la Sante sur ce phénomène.
Une instruction interdisant les affiches de la société laitière et des substituts de lait maternel devrait également être donnée aux responsables des structures sanitaires.
Il a été propose d'intégrer le volet de l'allaitement maternel dans les programmes scolaires pour la sensibilisation des jeunes filles. Pour I' amélioration du volet communication, des propositions doivent être faites auprès de nos partenaires (UNICEF, HKI,...) afin qu'ils mettent d'autres supports a la disposition des associations.
Le Président de séance est revenu sur les facteurs qui font régresser l'allaitement maternel à savoir:
• l'influence des medias et des coutumes. II a indiqué qu'il est nécessaire d'informer et de sensibiliser Ie public sur la pratique de l'allaitement maternel exclusif qui doit être introduite le plus tôt possible.
Présentations des Plans d’Action des Associations
Deux associations ont présenté leur plan d'action. II s'agit de l’AJPEC et Cameroon Link. Cette dernière a produit deux films vidéo sur l'allaitement maternel et sollicite un appui du Ministère de la sante pour la reproduction afin qu'ils puissent être a la disposition de toutes les associations.
Le président de séance a recommandé aux Associations d’avoir des messages concis et qui accrochent tout en tenant compte des dix conditions. Les associations doivent automatiquement avoir un point d’encrage qui est le district de sante.
Divers
Des questions relatives a la reproduction du film ont été abordées. Une autocritique du film sur le fond et la forme sera faite par les responsables du Ministère de la Sante.
Une participante a voulu savoir l’appui que pourrait apporter le Ministère de la Sante en faveur des Associations pendant la SMAM. Sur ce point, Ie président de séance a précisé que Celle des associations qui sollicitent l’appui du Ministère de la Sante devrait déposer a la DCOOP un dossier bien ficelé et comprenant un plan d’action et un programme.
Cette réunion permettra de préciser le niveau de réalisation des activités et de s’accorder sur le jour de lancement et le lieu.
La Liste des Participants
1. Dr. Takou Virginie – HGOPY Ngousou
2. Eben Mado – HGOPY Ngousou
3. Fongang K. Luc – Step Ministry Yaounde
4. James Achanyi- Fontem, Cameroon Link Douala
5. Yvonne Bekeny – Cameroon Link Douala
6. Andela Elisabeth – AFFE Mbalmayo
7. Ngo Poha Priscille Sabine – Ahead Biyem Assi
8. Etong Jeanne – NOLFOWOP
9. Louis Amagnia Ndémé – Maléo Santé Plus
10. Messe Suzanne – Alternative Santé
11. Ngale Judith – GICOMDEF
12. Ossombe Marie Claire – CASAMAC Ebolowa
13. Nfong Yvette Marie Delphine – Assistance Action
14. Mouto Priscille - COGESID Bonamikano
15. Tsenou Martine Yolande – AFEYMEK WATAMONOMO
16. Melingui Rosalie - AFEYMEK WATAMONOMO
17. Dr. Mbah Joan née Ebong Ngole – Foundation Mbororo Batibo, NW Region
18. Dr. Jeanne Ejigui – UNICEF Cameroun Yaoundé
19. Joseph Ngon à Keedi – CIFAS
20. Nyassa Marie Juliette – UFFATMC
21. Mary Neh Ngwa – COGESID Mambanda
22. Samuel Mbah – COGESID Mambanda
23. Zoa Catherine – CAMNAFAW Yaoundé
24. Molo Ngono Jeannette – HGOPY Ngousou
25. Lissouck Marie Germaine – NOLFOWOP
26. Tata Japhet Ngol – DPS/MINSANTE
27. Chi Jacqueline- Caring For Women (CAFOW)
28. Makendi Theodore - Atrapracam
29. Ngo Mbogba Désirée – Atrapracam
30. Baleng Joanny – Atrapracam
31. Ngo Béa Elisabeth – Atrapracam
32. Djoky Deampess – Atrapracam
33. Tematio Josephine – Ahead Biyem Assi
34. Kangue Koum Henry – CBNCA/DPS/MINSANTE
35. Ntonga André Aggée – Helen Kelly International
36. Zintsem Marie – CIFAS
37. Mme Mbassi - ISSR Yaounde
38. Aboubakar Mgbekoum – ASS. Journalistes de la Presse Ecrite du Cameroun
39. Ngoudzo Mabah Martine – Vine Yard Cameroun
40. Fokoua Meffoh – ASSOCASFIASAR Yaounde
41. Numfo Beris - Nka'ah Women Bamenda
42. Mbeng Akomba – CBD/MINSANTE Yaoundé
43. Okala Georges – S/DAN/MINSANTE Yaoundé

7e Assemblée Générale de la FECABPA

7e Assemblée Générale de la FECABPA au Pont So’o , Mbalmayo
le 24 juillet 2010
Par Mme Chi Jacqueline, CAFOW Yaoundé
Les travaux de la 7e Assemblée Générale de la FECABPA ont débuté à 10h10 avec l’inscription des participants et les membres ont délibérés au tour d’un ordre du jour de 12 points :
1. Inscription
2. Prière par un participant
3. Présentation de l’ordre du jour et adoption par les membres de la FECABPA
4. Mot de Bienvenue du Chef de Village de Pont So’o, Mbalmayo
5. Présentation de l’Association des Femmes et Filles Entrepreneurs, AFFE
6. Lecteur du rapport de la 6e l’Assemblée Générale Ordinaire à Bonamikano-Douala
7. Orientation des activités de la FECABPA par le Président du Conseil d’Administration
8. Echanges sur les stratégies à adopter par la FECABPA dans le cadre de la mobilisation
9. Présentation du rapport financier et paiement des cotisations
10. Introduction des nouveaux membres et inscription sur la liste adhérents
11. Divers et annonces
12. Photo de famille, réception et clôture .
La séance s’ouvre par une prière en langue nationale (Ewondo) par Mme ABOMO Sabine, suivi directement du mot de bienvenue par le Chef du Village de Pont So’o, M. Ndzie Balla Joël qui a dressé la situation géographique de son village.
Pont-So'o est la porte d'entrée de la ville de Mengueme entouré par une grande forêt dont la superficie ne saurait être estimée, arrosé par deux grandes rivières So'o et Falla. La population de Pont So’o est à 90% jeunes, vivant essentiellement de I’ agriculture, la pêche et le petit commerce.
Pour lutter contre la pauvreté, les habitants du village Pont So’o se sont regroupés en Associations et GICS dont AFFE fait parti.
Le Chef du Village de Pont So’o, M. NDZIE BALLA Joël a révélé que la visite du siège d’AFFE dans le cadre de la mobilisation sociale des populations pour la promotion, la protection et le soutien de I’ allaitement maternel témoigne !'Importance que la FECABPA a pour cette association qui est membre de la coalition des associations et ONG de nutrition au Cameroun.
Le Chef NDZIE BALLA ajoute qu’on ne saurait estimer les avantages que les foyers de son village tiennent en pratiquant I’ allaitement maternel exclusive pendant les six premiers mois de la vie des bébés comme moyen de lutte contre la pauvreté. Il a terminé son propos en tirant un coup de chapeau à Madame MBARGA I-Honorine qui apporte toujours un plus pour le bien être de ses frères et sœurs du village.
Après le mot du chef, la présidente de l’AFFE, Mme Mbarga Honorine, a continué avec une liste des activités qu’elle mène avec ses membres pour la promotion de l’allaitement maternel dans leur village. Elle a encouragé les initiatives de la FECABPA qui éclairent la route des adhérents. Elle exhorte à travers son vaillant président, M. James Achanyi-Fontem, d’aller de l’avant pour soutenir AFFE au Pont So’o - Mbalmayo.
C’est à la suite de Mme Mbarga que le président de la FECABPA, M. James Achanyi-Fontem, a pris la parole pour présenter les activités de la FECABPA dont les objectifs principaux sont tournés vers la promotion de la nutrition infantile au Cameroun et les échanges avec les réseaux internationales pour la promotion, la protection et le soutien de l’allaitement maternel. Le message d’or est « Allaitement Maternel Exclusif de 0 à 6 mois».
Le président de la FECABPA a exhorté et encouragé les mamans à allaiter les bébés aux seins afin d’assurer leur bonne croissance qui met à l’abri des différentes maladies. Il a ajouté que la tâche d’allaiter les bébés n’incombe pas seulement aux mères, mais elles doivent le faire avec le soutien des pères.
Le bébé retrouve son bon démarrage de croissance dans le premier lait appelé « Le colostrum » , il a insisté en exhortant les mères à ne pas faire rater ce lait à leurs bébés , car il développe le cerveau de leurs bébés et les distingue des enfants nourris au lait artificiel.
M. Achanyi-Fontem qui coordonne l’Initiative d’Homme de WABA a profiter de l’événement pour annoncer la 8e Conférence du réseau Africaine prévue à l’Ile Mauritius du 20 au 23 septembre 2010 et le Forum des Partenaires Globaux de WABA programmé à Penang, en Malaysie de 17 au 20 octobre 2010.
Le président de la FECABPA a fini son propos par remercier le chef du village, M. Ndzie Balla Joël, et la présidente d’AFFE, Mme Mbarga Honorine pour l’accueil et la forte mobilisation de populations de Pont So’o.
L’orientation du président de la FECABPA est suivie par la lecture du rapport de la 6e Assemblée Générale Ordinaire qui s’est tenue à Bonamikano – Douala IV au siège de COGESID. La lecture est faite par Mme TSENOU Martine Yolande de AFEYMEK (WATAMONOMO) de Yaoundé. Dans ce rapport, il est noté que le thème de la Semaine Mondiale de l’Allaitement Maternel 2010 est « l’Allaitement Maternel ! 10 Pas ! Une Condition après l’autre, Sur le Chemin des Amis des Bébés ! » . (Voir le Rapport de la 6e AGO à Douala).
Le président de la FECABPA a pris la parole pour présenter la situation financière de la fédération, en expliquant les conditions d’adhésion dont les frais s’élèvent à CFA 10.000 et les cotisations annuelles à CFA 15.000. La cotisation annuelle de Quinze Mille Francs CFA est payable au plus tard en Juin de chaque année. Les fonds collectés couvrent les dépenses liés au fonctionnement et la gestion des activités du secrétariat de la FECABPA.
Le président a ensuite expliqué le sens du travail de volontariat de la Fédération jusqu’à ce jour, dont le bon fonctionnement demande beaucoup de sacrifices. C’est le cas de soutien dans la réception et au transport des membres des associations membres de la FECABPA (L’Aide de CFA 10.000 à AFFE et CFA 20.000 pour le transport de membres à Pont So’o Mbalmayo).
Après les finances, les travaux de l’assemblée générale ont continué avec la présentation et l’explication des 10 étapes (Conditions pour le succès de l’allaitement maternel) en Français et en Bulu (langue nationale) par Dr. Joan Mbah Ebong Ngollé de la Fondation FONBORORO et Mme Tsenou Martine Yolande de AFFEYMEK - WATAMONOMO.
Il est annoncé que le lancement officiel de la SMAM 2010 est prévu pour le mardi 03 août à l’Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Ngousou – Yaoundé. Pendant les délibérations, les membres de l’AFFE faisaient de petites pauses d’animation en chants et danses. A la fin des travaux, le président de la FECABPA a repris la parole pour inviter le Chef du Village Pont So’o a clôturer la 7e Assemblée Générale Ordinaire. Ce dernier a exprimé sa gratitude et son souhait de revoir la FECABPA à Pont So’o..
L’Association FONBORORO MEDICAL FOUNDATION du PCA de SONARA , ancien Ministre, Monsieur EBONG NGOLLE a joint la Fédération en payant ses droits d’adhésion et cotisation annuelle qui s’élève à 25000 F CFA.
La prochaine réunion est prévue en Novembre 2010 au siège de COGESID MABANDA –BONABERI. C’est avec les photos de famille que les travaux de la 7e Assemblée Générale de la FECABPA se sont clôturés autour d’un grand repas avec le vin de palme offert par AFFE Pont So’o.

Birthing the World Conference In Quebec, Canada

The Association pour la santé publique du Québec (ASPQ) has made public that BIRTHING THE WORLD will hold at the Quebec City Convention Centre, from November 25-26, 2010. The Conference on Best Practices in Perinatal Care aims at exploring and reflecting upon an interdisciplinary perspective, the multiple dimensions of the early period of life. This event is intended as a major step forward in how health experts conceive and perceive perinatal care. The conference gives a unique opportunity for perinatal care practitioners of all stripes to come together around common issues relating to childbirth, breastfeeding and becoming parents, to share their knowledge with one another and to concert their efforts for the benefit of pregnant women and their families. It is expected to draw to one location a broad array of perinatal care practitioners who, though operating in the same field, rarely get the chance to share their experiences and questions. It is being organized in partnership with the Association des omnipraticiens en périnatalité du Québec (AOPQ), the Regroupement des Sages-femmes du Québec (RSFQ) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). A Birthing the World website has been launched to inform the public on activities surrounding the conference. For more information, click on the following link - www.birthingtheworld.com