By Innocent Fowung
– (UK Correspondent)
YAOUNDÉ / LONDON – In a significant boost to the partnership between the Cameroonian diaspora and their home country, Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute recently hosted a high-level delegation from CamDocUK, the association of Cameroonian medical doctors and dentists practicing in the United Kingdom.
The audience, held at the Star Building in Yaoundé, served as a platform for the government to officially recognize the association’s nearly two decades of contribution to the Cameroonian health sector. Led by current President, Dr. Linda Ngwi Fonkam Bello, the delegation detailed the organization’s evolution from a professional networking group into a vital humanitarian engine.
A legacy of support
Since its founding in 2008, CamDocUK has transitioned into a registered UK charity that leverages the expertise of its members to bridge gaps in local healthcare. The Prime Minister specifically lauded several key initiatives:
Emergency Medicine Conference: The association recently spearheaded a major medical seminar at the University of Yaoundé I, focusing on “Non-communicable disease emergencies in low-resource settings.”
The PPE Legacy: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, CamDocUK’s “PPE Project” successfully delivered over 25,000 items—including masks, shields, and gowns—to 81 health facilities across all 10 regions of Cameroon.
Maternal & Child Health: Recent fundraising efforts have shifted toward improving outcomes for newborns and pregnant women, funding the purchase of critical neonatal equipment and surgical supplies.
Strengthening the Diaspora Link:
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Cameroonian government is eager to support diaspora-led initiatives that facilitate the transfer of skills and technology. “We are grateful for those who, despite being abroad, think of giving back to their country,” Dion Ngute remarked during the session.
For the doctors living in the UK, the association serves a dual purpose. While it provides a “brother’s keeper” environment for junior doctors entering the NHS, it also allows seasoned consultants to provide examiners and academic journals to medical schools like the University of Buea and the University of Dschang.
Looking ahead
With a growing membership of nearly 100 registered professionals, CamDocUK is currently expanding its Educational Series, hosting monthly webinars that tackle public health issues such as sickle cell disease and mental health—reaching audiences in both the UK and Cameroon.
The association is now preparing for its 2026 Fundraising Gala, with funds expected to be directed toward the “Towards Better Outcomes for Mother and Child” campaign.