The Ministry of Social Affairs Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the CBC Health Services
The CBC Health services has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ministry of social affairs, to foster collaboration framework in the domain of prevention of disabilities, promotion of disabilities rights and mainstreaming of disability in local and national development-
This was during a signing ceremony organized at the ministry of Social Affairs on May 15, 2020 under the auspices of the Minister Of Social Affairs, the country representative of CBM, the Program Manager of the Empowerment and disability inclusive development (EDID and the Director of CBC Health Services.
In line with this, the MoU formalises the mutual interaction and strengthens the existing relationship between MINAS and CBCHS at the strategic and working levels, focusing on jointly advocating for the rights to education and the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education opportunities. Both parties will also collaborate to rehabilitate disabilities , and corporate in the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable children in Cameroon. Not withstanding, both parties will commit to mobilise resources for the implementation of interventions aimed at achieving the purpose of the MOU, organize seminars, conferences or workshops on topics of mutual interest and engage in research training programs among others.
Speaking during the event, the Director of CBC Health Services, prof Tih Pius, cited a few results that the CBCHS, with support from the government and other developmental actors have achieved over the years. He emphasized that “ the CBCHS has successfully prevented disabilities from a total of 6,720,000 Cameroonians through huge investment in eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Clubfoot services and Mental health. He also reiterated that, in 2014, with support from the Liliane Foundation, the CBCHS expanded its disability programs to a total of 9 regions. This activities benefitted over 3000 children and youths with disabilities from poor families every year. The CBCHS, with support from the Ministry of Social Affairs and partners like CBM and Liliane Foundation has been working tirelessly to ensure that persons with disability including children and youths are not left behind during this COVID 19 pandemic, he said. Emergency response kits composed of food stuff, personal protection equipment and first aid medications have been provided to 1500 persons with disabilities in the North west Region.
Within this framework, MINAS will facilitate custom duties and tax exoneration to CBCHS for the importation of rehabilitation and assertive devices to foster inclusive education and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. The Minister of Social Affairs says the MoU will reinforce the integration of Children living with disabilities in Cameroon.