On August 13, 2020, the government distributed 1,261 kits to pregnant women in the framework of an initiative baptized Baby Box.

Each of the kits contains a pack of cloth diapers, thirty sanitary napkins, six washable reusable facemasks, a bottle of hydro-alcoholic gel, a bathtub, a bucket with lid, laundry soaps. They were distributed in about 20 health facilities in Adamaoua, the Central, Eastern, Far North, and Northern regions.  

According to the Director of Family Health at the Ministry of Public Health, Mbu Enow Robinson, who is leading the operation, the health facilities were selected based on the number of deliveries recorded every year.

Mbu Enow Robinson reveals that the kits were distributed in health facilities where people live in poor conditions. He explains that the initiative was spurred by a notice about how, since March 2020, pregnant women are less inclined in making prenatal consultations and giving birth in health facilities for fear of getting infected with the COVID-19. The Ministry of Health, therefore, hopes Baby Box will encourage pregnant women to resume going to health facilities for their prenatal consultation and deliveries.  

The Ministry of Health also expects that with the help of mayors and other elected officials, the initiative will be extended to other regions.

D.M.