Fighting Malaria in East Cameroon

Cameroon Catalyst is a student-driven international development charity that works with communities in East Cameroon to deliver essential, needs-assessed infrastructure projects. In 2023, we began an exciting new chapter with the launch of our first-ever medical team, dedicated to tackling pressing health challenges in the region.

Following a detailed needs assessment in 2024, we identified malaria prevention as the area where we could have the greatest immediate impact. Our very first project focused on distributing long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets in the remote village of Bambouti, home to over 1,000 people.

The project had three key parts:

Net distribution – Transporting over 1,000 mosquito nets to such a remote region was a huge logistical and financial challenge. Thanks to funding from the Social Impact Lab, we were able to take far more nets than would otherwise have been possible, ensuring pregnant mothers and children under five – those most vulnerable to malaria – were prioritised.

Community workshops – Alongside the distribution, we ran interactive workshops to learn about local prevention practices and to share how to assemble and use nets effectively. Again, the support from the Social Impact Lab made a huge difference. It allowed us to provide small but meaningful incentives such as drinks, snacks, pens, and sanitary pads, which significantly boosted attendance and engagement.

Sustainability and follow-up – Long-term impact is vital. To ensure ongoing success, we worked with the community to select a local “Protector of the Night” – a representative with experience in net distribution who knows which households include vulnerable individuals. With support from the Social Impact Lab, we were able to equip them with a branded high-vis jacket and practical tools to continue supporting families after our departure.

This project has been a fantastic step for our medical team. It not only delivered immediate protection against malaria but also laid the foundations for long-term behavioural change and community-led follow-up.

Looking back, we know this wouldn’t have been possible at the same scale without the funding support of the Social Impact Lab through their Social Impact Fund. This funding enabled us to reach more people, run more effective workshops, and build sustainability into the project.

As a student-led society, this experience has been inspiring. With the commitment and creativity of our student society members, combined with the funding resource and encouragement of the Social Impact Lab, we can continue to take real steps toward tackling the burden of malaria in East Cameroon.