On January 7th 2021, ACTLAB distributed food and personal protective equipment for COVID 19 to 55 individuals at Bambili Palace, Tubah Sub-division, Mezam Division of North West Region of Cameroon. The individuals comprised women, the elderly, and people with disabilities (PWDs). ACTLAB’s president – Tfurndabi Tawong Cornelius, treasurer – Mangoh Yinike, and Secretary General – Nchotindoh Fidelis Mbelewi officiated the event under the patronage of His Royal Highness FonAfungchi III of Bambili.
The initiative targeted vulnerable populations (women, children, the elderly, and PWDs) as they suffer the most from the negative impacts of COVID 19 and food insecurity. For instance, vulnerable populations have suffered from increased food insecurity and loss of income/source of livelihoods. Therefore, promoting hygiene awareness and proper health of these individuals through providing them with essential items was deemed necessary.
Through well coordinated fundraising efforts spearheaded by the Douala Project Coordinator – Ngwang Tawong Titus, the initiative costed over 3,000 USD that was raised by ACTLAB volunteers. Significantly, one volunteer, Mary Lintott, raised $2,000 to support the initiative. The money raised was then used to purchase food and personal protective equipment from the central market in Bamenda. This led to the distribution of nose masks, savon (soap), washing buckets, and 20 litres of rice per person.
The recipients appreciated ACTLAB for this noble initiative that helped address their food, hygiene, and health needs despite the hard times they had experienced following the COVID 19 outbreak.
To ensure sustainability of the initiative, ACTLAB was encouraged to support income-generating activities among women and other vulnerable populations. This could entail supporting farming activities such as poultry farming and distributing farming equipment and inputs to farmers.
This initiative is in line with ACTLAB’s commitment to support the work of the United Nations and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ACTLAB appreciates all volunteers, participants and partners that made this initiative a success.