Empowering an AIDS-Free Generation in Cameroon

Since our last update, things have been progressing quickly in Cameroon!

Over the last few months, Alim – EFA International’s former Regional Coordinator and EFA Cameroun’s new Director – has been working tirelessly to lay the groundwork for the official launch of EFA Cameroun. The early stages of a transition are never particularly glamorous, but they are key aspects of a responsible and sustainable handover. The staff in Cameroon are proving their efficiency and professionalism every day, as they work through a seemingly thankless list of administrative tasks – drafting bylaws, registering with the tax authorities, establishing pay scales, etc. All of these vital first steps have now been accomplished, and we are ready to move into the more strategic phase of the transition over the next few months.

Perhaps most importantly, EFA Cameroun now has an impressive and inspiring new national board! The national board is a diverse group of HIV stakeholders, including Dr. Rebecca Djao, regional delegate for the Department of Public Health in the Far North region of Cameroon, Dr. Sadou Kalandi, coordinator of the HIV Regional Technical Group in the Far North, and Mr. Maurice Kwite, who leads a social marketing agency within the border region with Chad. The new national board also includes civil society representatives from HIV care and support organizations, such as Mme. Rose Didja Bouba (currently with CARE Cameroon) and Mme. Aissa Doumara, who works with a local organization in Maroua that is committed to the fight against gender-based violence. Mr. Pierre Tchana, a local lawyer who represents civil society organizations in the region, Mr. Blaise Djilo, an economist who supports income generation projects throughout Cameroon, and Mr. Bouba Bawa, who works with the High Commission for Refugees, have also joined the Board. All of the new board members have worked with EFA at some phase during its development and are deeply committed to seeing it through this next phase.

Preparations are now underway for EFA Cameroun’s first board meeting in mid-June. At the first meeting, the new Board will undergo targeted training on their roles and responsibilities as Board members and group activities, designed to foster teamwork and a shared sense of commitment and dedication - to EFA as an organization, to the Youth Empowerment Network and to all of EFA's beneficiaries. Everyone is looking forward to coming together to usher in a sustainable and successful future for EFA Cameroun.

We are so very proud to have this formidable group of individuals joining us in the fight against AIDS. Their perspective, influence, and experience will help us to stay true to our mission: to promote the successful future of Cameroonian children, youth, and families affected by HIV and AIDS through education, enterprise, and empowerment.

Thanks to your early support for this transition, we are well on our way to ensuring a sustainable future for EFA Cameroun! We look forward to staying in touch with you as things progress over the next few months.