Day 3: Protecting the Environment The War We Must Win

Jane in Cameroon:
Dr. Achu came and chilled at our apartment this morning. He talked about setting up the Mezam Polyclinique and COPAAP. Because he was the first to name his clinic Mezam, nobody else is allowed to use it for another hospital, which is cool because Mezam refers to a region of the Northwest Region. Then after being frustrated seeing so many patients suffer and die from AIDS and the urban government not doing enough, he set up COPAAP to at least empower the rural communities of Mezam fight AIDS though mobilization, sensitization, and development of income-generating activities (IGAs). Much of the work is done through each village's Culture and Development Associations (CUDAs), made of representatives from each village.

Adam and I ate at a roadside shack. It made us pretty nervous when our food came out of half sealed plastic jars with flies buzzing around them. We had spicy white beans with ripe plantains (looks like a peeled banana but tastes like a baked sweet potato). No stomach problems for both of us, *whew*! I guess if you can't expect much for lunch for two at 300F (less than $1).

On the way to Bafut, we finally got to speak with Dr. Melissa about her TB research. Apparently the Northwest Region has the highest AIDS rate (around 8%) in the country. Many of these patients have TB or multi drug resistant TB (MDR TB). Most TB patients (around 70%) have AIDS. She explained to us the old Acid Fast stain that is used to diagnose TB but that is only 50% effective. And how it takes several weeks to culture TB samples in their high tech TB lab at the Mezam Polyclinique. Talk about a dream job, wow!

At Bafut, we visited Dr. Achu's son at boarding school. He was preparing for mock APs so seemed kinda stressed out. Left there after a few minutes and visited Savanna Botanical Gardens (SABOGA). Some Cameroonian botanist set up this gorgeous place that has some really cool things like a giant map of Cameroon set into a lawn, and lots of protect-the-environment exhibits. Unfortunately after his death, the place has fallen into disrepair. Probably because the entry fees aren't enforced. We had dinner there: chicken, potato wedges, and njama njama (cooked spinach leaves).

Slight shower incident at the apartment. Fed up with cold showers, I tried again to fiddle with the shower knobs and finally got warm water! When I wanted to turn off the water, I found out I couldn't get anything but scalding hot water spraying out full force. I thought the apartment might flood (the water was already about the run out of the bathroom), I panicked and screamed for help. Adam at least figured out how to slow it to a tickle by pressing down really hard on the handles. But of course he couldn't stand there all night so I ran out looking like a crazy lady with my wet hair all tangled looking for help. After a huge fiasco with the night guardsman and nurses, Dr. Achu drove back to the clinic and saved the day. Ok so still no hot showers (except by cup from the sink), but at least the flat isn't flooded :D