It's been 18 months since I worked in South-West #Cameroon as an emergency and trauma surgeon in what seemed to be an under-reported conflict with tremendous consequences on people's lives.

I will never forget one desperate mother, coming out from the bush, holding her dead baby; something that could have been prevented if we could have reached her or she could have reached us on time!

The region has now endured 3 years of armed violence between state & non-state armed groups. The situation only seems to be deteriorating.

Acts of violence have increased & armed raids, attacks, kidnappings, torture & sexual violence have not spared the civilian population.

Humanitarian aid is limited due to insecurity.
People have quickly found themselves unable to find healthcare.

Most health centres have been deserted by their staff or are no longer able to function normally because of ongoing violence and movement restrictions.

Displaced communities, in particular, have little or no access to healthcare and must endure alarming conditions.

Every patient’s story highlights the critical context and the urgent need to increase access to healthcare in the region. https://www.msf.org/hospital-heart-north-west-crisis-cameroon