Story

Emergency Project to Combat Food Crisis in Cameroon

25 September 2024

Caption: Aissatou KANGUE, a CM2 student at the Beka Matali public primary school in the Adamaoua region, is enjoying one of her favorite meals: cassava bread made from cassava flour and hard-boiled eggs, provided by the World Food Programme

Photo: © WFP/Cameroon/Jordan Onana

Launched in 2023, PULCCA aims to address food insecurity and malnutrition through a multifaceted approach.

“When I arrived at the [Magdeme] Health Centre, I was desperate as Aboubakar was so weak, and I didn’t know what to do,” recalls Falta Modou, the 18-year-old mother of Aboubakar Modou in the Far North Cameroon.

These words vividly capture the deep distress Falta went through in the face of conflict and severe food shortages and echo what many families are going through as a result of the ongoing insecurity and violent assault on many villages by armed groups in the Far North region.

Caption: In Guivirdig, Far North Region, a mother smiles with hope after feeding her child with WFP-distributed cereals. This distribution provides vital nutrition and support to local families, showcasing the positive impact of WFP’s food assistance.

Photo: © WFP/Cameroon/Joseph Fambove

Although less conscious of the state of his environment, at 12 months old, Aboubakar was among the most vulnerable of the 2,373 children and pregnant or breastfeeding women who received nutrition support at Magdeme Health Centre in May 2024 through PULCCA, a food security crisis control project implemented collaboratively by World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Cameroon with funding from the World Bank.

Launched in 2023, PULCCA aims to address food insecurity and malnutrition through a multifaceted approach. The initiative is implemented in Adamawa, East, Far North, North, Northwest, and Southwest regions.

Caption: The High Commissioner for Canada in Cameroon, Deputy Country Director Mr. Aboubacar Guindo, and Dr. Gnagna Ndiaye, head of the WFP sub-office in Maroua, visited WFP nutrition activities in Dimeo, Far North Region

Photo: © WFP/Cameroon/Joseph Fambove

Falta narrates that at the health centre, Aboubakar was provided with highly nutritious food and consistent medical care. Falta also benefited from nutrition education, learning to prepare enriched porridge that was pivotal in Aboubakar’s recovery.

“With PULCCA’s support, Aboubakar started to gain weight, and his health improved dramatically,” Falta says, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “Seeing him smile and grow stronger has been the greatest joy.”

Aboubakar’s story reflects the broader successes of PULCCA’s mission. Under this project, 335,017 children have been screened for malnutrition, identified, and referred 176 severely malnourished children for advanced treatment, and enhanced the capacities of 51 partnering organizations in nutrition screening.

Caption: WFP Country Director Wanja Kaaria, wearing a WFP cap, interacts with a girl student at Beka Matali School in Ngaoundere

Photo: © WFP/Cameroon/Jordan Onana

Additionally, by June 2024, 2,566 parents and caregivers were trained on nutrition and hygiene practices, with men representing 11 percent of those trained.

“The support we received from PULCCA was crucial,” says Moussa Bouba, Deputy Director at the Magdeme Health Centre. “We’ve observed significant improvements in over 50% of our patients within just a few months.”

Aboubakar’s recovery highlights the profound effect of the dedicated support and care offered by the Government and WFP through the PULCCA initiative. Each smile, every regained strength, and every hopeful future demonstrates the significant and life changing impact of PULCCA’s mission.