WFP and PULCCA, in the Far-North Region of Cameroon

By Nyandoh Paho Tadfor, WFP Communications Officer

“When I arrived at the [Magdeme] Health Centre, I was desperate as Aboubakar was so weak, and I didn’t know what to do,” recalls Falta Modou, the 18-year-old mother of Aboubakar Modou in the Far North Region of Cameroon. 

These words vividly capture the deep distress Falta went through in the face of conflict and severe food shortages and echo what many families are going through as a result of the ongoing insecurity and violent assault on many villages by armed groups in the Far North region. 

Although less conscious of the state of his environment, at 12 months old, Aboubakar was among the most vulnerable of the 2,373 children and pregnant or breastfeeding women who received nutrition support at Magdeme Health Centre in May 2024 through PULCCA, the Emergency Project to Combat the Food Crisis in Cameroon implemented by the Government of Cameroon with funding from the World Bank and in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP)  .

Launched in 2023, PULCCA aims to address food insecurity and malnutrition through a multifaceted approach. The initiative is implemented in Adamawa, East, Far North, North, Northwest, and Southwest regions in Cameroon.

Falta narrates that at the health centre, Aboubakar was provided with highly nutritious food and consistent medical care. Falta also benefited from nutrition education, learning to prepare enriched porridge that was pivotal in Aboubakar’s recovery. 

“With PULCCA’s support, Aboubakar started to gain weight, and his health improved dramatically,” Falta says, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “Seeing him smile and grow stronger has been the greatest joy.”

Aboubakar’s story reflects the broader successes of PULCCA’s mission. Under this project, 335,017 children have been screened for malnutrition, 176 severely malnourished children have been identified and referred for advanced treatment, and the capacities of 51 partnering organizations in nutrition screening have been strengthened. 

Additionally, by June 2024, 2,566 parents and care-givers were trained on nutrition and hygiene practices, with men representing 11 percent of those trained.

“The support we received from PULCCA was crucial,” says Moussa Bouba, Deputy Director at the Magdeme Health Centre. “We’ve observed significant improvements in over 50% of our patients within just a few months.”

Aboubakar’s recovery highlights the profound effect of the dedicated support and care offered by the Government in collaboration with WFP through the PULCCA initiative. Each smile, every regained strength, and every hopeful future demonstrates the significant and life changing impact of PULCCA’s mission.

“PULCCA has given us more than just food; they have given us hope,” Falta states with a sense of irrevocability.