Organization Background

Fondation Sinkam Charles (FOSIC) is a Cameroonian humanitarian non-governmental organization, recognized by Ministerial Order N° 164/A/MINATD/SG/DAP/SDLP/SONG of November 11, 2016; renewed by Ministerial Order N° 00000015/A/MINAT/SG/DAP/SDLP/SONG/BA of July 30, 2020, granting FOSIC single-founder NGO status; and elevated to Public-Interest Organization status by Presidential Decree N° 2021/441 of August 20, 2021. FOSIC originally operated from 2008 to 2016 as an association legally recognized by the Hauts-Plateaux prefectural authority before being elevated to NGO status.

Headquartered in Bangou (Hauts-Plateaux Division, West Region of Cameroon) since 2008, FOSIC is a non-profit organization founded and led by Prof. Samuel Nana-Sinkam. Its work rests on three pillars:

• HealthImproving health outcomes through periodically organized, free Medical Days (Journées Médicales), providing consultation and treatment to patients regardless of origin.
• EducationPromoting educational excellence through support to schools and students in the Bangou subdivision.
• Social AssistanceParticipating in community welfare initiatives and social causes.

Executive Summary

I. Support to Local Schools

During 2024, as part of its sustainable-development approach, FOSIC carried out several activities in schools within the Bangou subdivision.

1. Collège Saint Jean Baptiste de Bangou

a. Sports Equipment Donation

To promote sports participation and student health, FOSIC donated a set of sports equipment to the school's football team, comprising: 32 jerseys, 9 pairs of cleats, 2 pairs of goalkeeper gloves, 3 footballs, 14 pairs of shin guards, 3 ankle braces, and 1 biography of footballer Neymar.

b. Life-Skills Education

FOSIC delivered a series of educational talks to students from 6th grade (6ème) through the final year (Terminale). These sessions responded to a call from the Cameroonian government, issued on National Youth Day, inviting sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists to support schools in fostering greater responsibility among young people. FOSIC answered the school principal's request by assigning a staff member to lead sensitization sessions encouraging students to take ownership of their futures. School staff, students, and parents reported strongly positive feedback, including noted improvements in student behavior.

2. Groupe Scolaire Primaire et Maternel Bilingue de Bangou Carrefour

To encourage community cohesion between students and staff, FOSIC donated joint football equipment to both the primary and nursery sections of the school: 27 jerseys, 2 pairs of goalkeeper gloves, 10 pairs of socks, 5 footballs, 14 pairs of cleats, 15 pairs of shin guards, and 1 biography of footballer Leo Messi.

3. Engagement with Health Sciences Students

FOSIC increasingly hosts university health-sciences students completing community practicums in the Bangou subdivision. In 2024, the organization welcomed approximately 100 students from four institutions: Institut Universitaire de la Côte (Douala), Institut Universitaire SIGMEN (Douala), the Public School of State-Registered Nurses (Bafoussam), and Institut Universitaire de la Pointe (Bafoussam). These visits give students direct exposure to FOSIC's approach to sustainable community development and encourage them to take an active role in national development.

II. Support for National Events and Community Initiatives

FOSIC remains present alongside the Hauts-Plateaux decentralized state services during major events marking national life. 2024 was no exception.

1. National Youth Day (58th Edition)

In addition to supporting the district organizing committee, FOSIC joined school-based educational talks raising awareness among educators and students about behaviors that worsen environmental degradation and climate change, and promoted reforestation and composting to restore soil health and support safe food production.

2. International Women's Day (39th Edition, Bangou)

FOSIC provided financial support to the local organizing committee and had its female staff participate in the week's activities marking the occasion.

3. International Workers' Day (138th Edition)

On May 1, 2024, FOSIC marked the occasion with a football tournament it organized between youth from Bangou Carrefour and youth from Bamena (Ndé Division), held at the Bamena high school field, aimed at promoting community cohesion and a culture of diligence between the two localities. FOSIC followed the match with an evening event recognizing top-performing employees of local enterprises founded by FOSIC's Founding President — awards were given for diligence, discipline, and punctuality — alongside an educational talk on the importance of an active working life.

4. West Region Health Coordination Meeting

FOSIC provided financial support for the West Regional Health Delegation's coordination meeting, “Evaluation of the Implementation of Maternal and Perinatal Mortality Reduction Strategies in the West Region: Analysis of Causes of Death and Urgent Corrective Actions under Universal Health Coverage Phase 1,” held in Baham, April 16–18, 2024.

5. National Unity Day (52nd Edition, May 20)

FOSIC took part in the May 20, 2024 parade under the national theme “Army and Nation, Together for a United, Peaceful, and Prosperous Cameroon,” drawing a large turnout from the Bangou community and staff of the various development structures established by Prof. Nana-Sinkam.

6. Community Social Welfare

Beyond its core programs of organizing Medical Days, participating in state-run events, and responding to requests within its areas of intervention, FOSIC remains ready to respond promptly to social and community needs as they arise.

a. Health Assistance to Underserved Individuals

In 2024, approximately 50 underserved individuals received direct health-related assistance from FOSIC. Cases included patients formally admitted to health centers who were unable to cover their bills; severely ill individuals confined at home for lack of means to reach a health facility; children whose parents could not afford to bring them for care; and pregnant women unable to pay for prenatal visits or delivery costs. FOSIC covered these costs on a case-by-case basis.

b. Medical Coverage at Large Public Gatherings

FOSIC deployed a medical team to provide coverage at the funeral of the late Patriarch Nkontchou Joseph, held April 27, 2024, in Baham, which drew a very large crowd. The team treated approximately 100 attendees; roughly 40% of those seen were not acute cases but individuals with pre-existing conditions who took the opportunity to be seen — all were received and treated.

c. Public Health Education

Since 2024, FOSIC has partnered with two community radio stations — FOSIC FM 92.0 (Bangou) and Radio Diaspora FM 89.5 (Bamena) — co-hosting the program “Libre Opinion” to raise collective and individual awareness among communities in the Hauts-Plateaux and Ndé divisions. The program places particular emphasis on responsible parenting and individual accountability for community well-being. Listener response has been strongly positive, and the program continues.

III. 20th Edition of the Bangou Medical Days (Journées Médicales)

The 20th edition of FOSIC's flagship Medical Days took place on December 13–14, 2024, at FOSIC headquarters in Bangou Carrefour. FOSIC's original plan, announced in December 2023, to relocate its July 2024 Medical Days to Cameroon's Far North Region did not proceed; the process was initiated but could not be completed due to administrative difficulties beyond the organization's control.

The 2024 campaign convened 15 medical specialties and received, consulted, and treated a total of 3,147 patients from across the country — compared with 3,995 patients seen at the 19th edition, which had convened roughly 20 specialties. Although organizers reduced the number of specialties from 23 (December 2023) to 15 with the intention of reducing patient volume, demand did not decrease proportionally; general and internal medicine staff absorbed cases in specialties not represented on-site, such as rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology.

Results by Service Area

Laboratory tests performed: malaria RDT (427), HIV (230), Hepatitis B (171), Hepatitis C (198), PSA/prostate (45), syphilis (113), chlamydia (99).

Patients traveled from across the country, including remote rural areas, to attend. Medical staff likewise came from across Cameroon, reflecting the Founding President's continued effort to extend FOSIC's “health for all” vision to a wider circle of practitioners, with the hope that other local leaders across the country will replicate the model.

Conclusion

Throughout 2024, Fondation Sinkam Charles did not waver from its founding commitment to stand alongside its community. In education, FOSIC donated sports equipment to two area schools and delivered educational talks to students from 6th grade through their final year, aimed at building greater responsibility among young people. FOSIC also remained an active and visible participant in every major state-organized event held in its administrative district during the year, including National Youth Day, International Women's Day, International Workers' Day, and National Unity Day.

The organization's flagship program, the 20th edition of the Bangou Medical Days, delivered free surgical, medical, dental, and diagnostic care to 3,147 patients across 15 specialties on December 13–14, 2024, continuing FOSIC's core mission of expanding access to health care in the Hauts-Plateaux region.