Submission ID 129603
| Issue/Objective | In fragile and conflict-affected regions, reaching "zero-dose" children-those who have never received a single dose of routine vaccines-remains a critical global health challenge. Traditional, vertical immunization programs often struggle to penetrate areas characterized by insecurity, population displacement, and collapsed infrastructure. The VERHUS Project, implemented by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, was designed to bridge these gaps through a "Humanitarian-Development Nexus" approach. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Between March 2025 and February 2026, the VERHUS project deployed an integrated service delivery model across five fragile regions of Cameroon: The North, Adamaoua, Far North, South-West, and North-West. Rather than focusing solely on immunization, the project integrated high-impact humanitarian interventions, including systematic nutritional screening, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) promotion, and basic health education. This integrated strategy leveraged community-based health workers and mobile clinics to reach hard-to-access populations in active conflict zones. |
| Results | The project successfully vaccinated over 200,000 children within a 12-month period, significantly exceeding initial uptake projections for these volatile areas. Beyond immunization, 69513 children were screened during vaccination sessions and over 3000 cases of acute malnutrition that would have otherwise gone undetected identified and addressed with CSB++, RUTF and vitamin A. The inclusion of WASH with the Distribution of dignity Kits and health education acted as a "pull factor," increasing community trust and reducing the suspicion often associated with vertical health interventions in conflict settings. Data indicates a marked reduction in "missed opportunities" for care, as every vaccination contact point served as a comprehensive health hub. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The VERHUS project provides a scalable blueprint for operating in "red zones." By moving away from siloed interventions and adopting a humanitarian service integration model, partners can simultaneously address immediate survival needs and long-term health resilience. This strategy proves that even in active conflict, the integration of nutrition, WASH, and health education with immunization is not just an added value, but a mechanical necessity for achieving universal health coverage and protecting the most vulnerable children. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Foyeth-Kamdem Eugène-Lebrun Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Foyeth-Kamdem Eugène-Lebrun Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Njume Epie Mesume Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Stephane Dufis Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Ful Morine Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Fri Delphine Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Banlack Hilary Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services |
