The year 2019 marked a dark chapter for healthcare workers in Cameroon as several dedicated nurses fell victim to the violence perpetrated by Cameroon occupation forces. These abductions not only robbed families and communities of their loved ones but also highlighted the grave dangers faced by those serving on the front lines of healthcare in conflict zones.
Ngamsha Gilbert, a compassionate nurse from Oku, had his journey abruptly cut short on January 29, 2019, as he was on his way to the hospital where he diligently cared for patients. His dedication to his profession and community met a tragic end at the hands of senseless violence.
Nurse Fomonyuy Ornella, a 19-year-old from Kumbo who was also pregnant, faced a harrowing fate on January 18, 2019, when her journey as a healthcare provider was cruelly halted, resulting in the loss of her own life and that of her unborn baby. The innocence of two lives was extinguished in a moment of brutality.
Another heartbreaking incident occurred on April 1, 2019, when Mbuh Priscilia and her colleagues were abducted from the Mbingo Baptist Hospital. These healthcare professionals were on duty, dressed in their uniforms, exemplifying their commitment to saving lives when they were forcibly taken by Cameroon occupation forces.
The abductions of Nurse Gilbert, Nurse Fomonyuy Ornella, Nurse Mbu Prescilia, and their colleagues serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by healthcare workers in conflict areas. These individuals were not soldiers but dedicated healers, yet they were not spared from the horrors of war and occupation.
Their names must not be forgotten, and their stories must serve as catalysts for action to protect healthcare workers worldwide. Every healthcare professional deserves a safe working environment where they can fulfill their noble mission of providing care and compassion to those in need, without fear of abduction or violence.