Magazine for Cameroon Coalition Against Malaria Launched in Bamenda

After the maiden launch at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel, CAMAM now takes the lead in its North West Chapter

By Akere-Maimo

Ever since the Cameroon Coalition Against Malaria (CCAM) launched its magazine, “About Malaria” on Thursday, 3 July 2008, it has registered a steady crest of popularity within Yaounde and beyond. Though this is not easily reflected in the volume of sales, more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of malaria. This CCAM publication has instilled in many of them the need to get informed on the control, prevention and treatment of malaria. The Cameroon Media Against Malaria (CAMAM) that forms a viable media arm of CCAM is taking the lead in its North West chapter to launch the magazine in Bamenda on Saturday, 26 July 2008. For the past couple of weeks, CAMAM Bamenda under the able stewardship of its president, Mary Lum Azongha of CRTV Bamenda has been mobilising resources in an intensified media campaign to rally all and sundry for the big event. CAMAM National Chair, Wain Paul Ngam is looking forward to join his colleagues with a pack of the magazines in Bamenda for the weekend activity.

The Minister of Public Health, Andre Marie Fouda presided over the maiden launch that took place at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel, accompanied by his entourage and other government officials. Also present at the occasion were pool of scientists, press men, members of Civil Society Organisations and a host of people from different walks of life. 

The occasion started with a welcome address from Prof. Rose Leke that was greeted with standing ovation. In her speech, she sounded a trumpet of war against malaria in Cameroon . She called on everyone to take the fight against this killer disease as a personal affair and commitment. She also lauded the efforts of all those who devoted time and energy to produce the beautiful magazine.

She was closely followed by Dr. Esther Tallah who spoke on what CCAM has achieved this far. Next was Mr Wain Paul, the CAMAM president, who was very pleased with the support given them by CCAM. He, however, called on journalists to avoid thinking: “…contributing in such an initiative is a moneymaking business. In fact, if the journalists should publish in the magazine, it only goes to show how much they can contribute in the fight against malaria”.

CRTV’s veteran journalist, Peter Essoka, did the review of CCAM magazine. The eloquent and prolific journalist drew inspiration from the magazine front-page caption “The onslaught is on: onward soldiers against malaria”. He rendered a thought-provoking paper that portrayed the ravages of “General Anopheles” over the African continent, with pregnant women and innocent babies below five being the unfortunate victims. He traced the origin of this fierce and devouring monster to Ghana . The take home message was for all to join CCAM and NMCP in an offensive to break the evil forces of “General Anopheles” who is still very present in our society today.

The launching ceremony received massive coverage from both the public and private media. CRTV Television, Arian TV and New TV were present to capture images. CRTV provincial and commercial FM stations, Radio Reine and Radio Campus were also at scene of coverage with their dictaphones at hand to interview the CCAM executive members. The Post, The Herald, The Quail and Le Messager were among the few who represented the print media at the occasion. So far, Le Jour Quotidien has published a story on the event and images diffused on both national and local TV stations in the nation’s capital.

“About Malaria” is a 26-paged magazine printed on glossy paper that would be published twice a year. It not only reports on CCAM activities and achievements but also provides vital information on malaria control and prevention as well as treatment. The publication also serves as a veritable media advocacy tool on malaria to prompt decision-makers and policy-makers on key issues raised.

At the end of the launching, a total of 1,018, 000 FCFA was raised: 703,000 FCFA as cash at hand, 100,000 FCFA worth cheque and pledges summing up to 215,000 FCFA. Expenses incurred prior and during the event are estimated at some 750,000 FCFA, including the hiring of the hall, transportations of school children for the sketches, hiring of hostesses, musicians, among other things. Now that the launching of this magazine is moving over to Bamenda, the CAMAM chair is unequivocal on the fact of CAMAM NW attaining a million FCFA target this Saturday.

Comments

[Dan Hovendick]

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dhovendick@bellsouth.net