Events

This past July, the HappyMe Health Association had the privilege of bringing our diabetes and hypertension awareness and screening project to the Bova community. It was a day filled with connection, education, and a shared commitment to a healthier future for all.

Our mission was clear: to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases of diabetes and high blood pressure in underserved communities. These conditions, if left unchecked, can significantly increase the risk of serious health issues like heart attack and stroke. We believe that knowledge and early screening are the first and most crucial steps in prevention.

A Day of Action

Our team, supported by a dedicated group of three volunteers, set out to achieve our goals. Despite a two-hour delay due to unexpected heavy rainfall and challenging road conditions, we were determined to make the day a success. We went door-to-door, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to participate, even if they couldn’t make it to the main screening site.

The community’s response was incredible. We were overwhelmed by the turnout, screening 72 people out of our target of 100. The atmosphere was welcoming and engaging, with community members actively asking questions and our volunteers providing answers and discussing results. This strong participation, a testament to the community’s trust and enthusiasm, made all our efforts worthwhile.

Overcoming Challenges, Celebrating Successes

No project is without its challenges. The heavy rains created difficult travel conditions, and we faced a shortage of both funds and screening materials. Our limited team of volunteers also had to manage a heavy workload, with some conducting screenings at the local Catholic church while others traveled door-to-door to reach more people.

Despite these hurdles, the project was a resounding success. We successfully recruited our volunteers, secured administrative clearances, and held a well-attended event. The community mobilization, coupled with the great turnout, allowed us to make a tangible impact. The Bova community project achieved an 83.3% success rate, a number we are incredibly proud of.

Looking Ahead

Our work in Bova is just one step on a longer journey. The success of this project reinforces our belief in the power of community-based health initiatives. However, it also highlights the need for more resources. We are actively seeking support from donors, both local and international, to fund our upcoming projects. We also hope to acquire a vehicle to make transportation to project sites easier and more efficient.

A huge thank you to the Bova community for their warm welcome and active participation. It’s through partnerships like these that we can truly make a difference in building a healthier Cameroon.

On the 22nd of October the HappyMe Health Foundation had the honor of bringing our breast cancer sensitization project to the female students of GBSS Pendamboko. It was a day dedicated to empowerment, education, and fostering a generation of young women equipped with the knowledge to protect their health.

Our objective was clear: to reduce the incidence of breast cancer among the female population by starting with education. We believe that equipping young women with the right knowledge and self-examination skills is a powerful step towards early detection and a healthier future.

A Day of Action and Engagement

Our mission was supported by a team of dedicated volunteers who helped facilitate a comprehensive sensitization campaign. To ensure the day was a success, we secured all necessary administrative clearances for seamless access to the school campus.

We focused on creating an interactive and memorable learning experience. This included using a mannequin for clear demonstrations of self-examination techniques. We also printed specially designed t-shirts to boost visibility for both cancer awareness and our organization. Understanding the economic realities for the students, we provided tampons to alleviate a significant cost burden, ensuring they could focus fully on the learning experience.

Celebrating Success and Participation

The response from the GBSS Pendamboko health club was incredibly encouraging. We successfully registered 100% participation, with all 30 targeted students present and actively engaged. The atmosphere was vibrant and inquisitive, with students asking thoughtful questions about causes, symptoms, and prevention methods.

The project’s foundation was strong, thanks to our 100% success in recruiting volunteers, acquiring clearances, and providing necessary materials like t-shirts, tampons, and transport. This strong groundwork was key to achieving our high success rate.

Overcoming Challenges

No project is without its hurdles. We faced difficult weather conditions, with heavy rainfall causing poor road networks that led to a late arrival at the project site. Furthermore, a lack of adequate financial resources meant we were unable to purchase all the project materials we had initially planned for. Our small team of volunteers also managed a heavy workload with immense dedication.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, the breast cancer awareness project in Pendmboko was a resounding success, achieving an 83.3% success rate. It powerfully highlighted the critical need for continued health education in schools.

To build on this momentum and reach more communities across Cameroon, the HappyMe Health Foundation is actively seeking support from local and international donors to fund our upcoming projects slated for 2023. We are also in need of a dedicated vehicle to ease transportation for our administrators and volunteers to future project sites.

A heartfelt thank you to the students and staff of GBSS Pendamboko for their warm welcome and enthusiastic participation. It is through these partnerships that we can truly make a difference in building a healthier, more informed future for all.

This past October, the HappyMe Health Foundation brought its vital breast cancer awareness and screening initiative to the community of Buea-Bomaka. The day was marked by a shared commitment to women’s health, combining physical activity, essential health resources, and crucial clinical examinations.

Our objective was focused: to reduce the threat of breast cancer among the female population in Buea-Bomaka through direct action and education. The event was built around three key activities: community physical exercises, the distribution of sanitary tampons to alleviate economic burdens, and free clinical breast examinations for all attendees.

Reaching the Community

The event saw a turnout where 52% of our targeted 100 beneficiaries received free clinical examinations. The participants spanned a wide range of ages, with the strongest representation from women in their twenties (20-29 years), showing a promising engagement from younger generations. While women aged 70-79 were the smallest group, their presence was deeply valued.

Understanding the Results: A Closer Look at the Data

The clinical examinations provided a crucial snapshot of the community’s breast health. We are encouraged that the vast majority of results—78.8%—were normal. However, the screenings also successfully identified areas needing attention, with presentations including breast pain (7.7%), lumps (3.8%), breast discharge (3.8%), and a family history of breast cancer (1.9%).

A detailed analysis of the results by age group revealed important insights:

• Twenties: This group showed a variety of concerns, including cases of pain, a family history of breast cancer, and a combination of pain and lumps.

• Sixties: Registered two cases of breast discharge, a symptom that warrants further investigation.

• Fifties and Seventies: All examinations within these age groups returned normal results.

This data is not just numbers; it’s a map that guides our future efforts and underscores the importance of age-specific awareness.

Overcoming Challenges

The project faced significant hurdles that impacted its reach. A critical challenge was the failure of a paid community mobilizer, which directly contributed to our 52% participation rate, falling short of our goal. We also struggled with insufficient material resources, such as chairs and canopies, most of which arrived late at the venue. Inadequate finances continued to be a barrier to the project’s smooth execution.

Looking Forward: A Call for Continued Support

Despite the challenges, the day was a vital step forward. Every attendee received a clinical examination and their personal results, empowering them with knowledge about their health.

To build on this foundation, the HappyMe Health Foundation urgently appeals for more funding. This support is crucial not only to run future projects but also to ensure that the individuals with unusual results can access adequate medical care. We also wish for material medical assistance, such as mammogram machines, to enable earlier and more precise detection in our future outreach programs.

Thank you to the women of Buea-Bomaka for their participation and trust. Together, we are taking essential steps toward a future where breast health is a priority for all.