Building Healthy Communities: The OD Health Initiative

In 2025, the Open Dreams ecosystem strengthened its commitment to holistic human development through the impactful work of the vibrant OD Health Crew. The initiative turned vision into action, showing how community-centered service can create real change, evident across all five Open Dreams Hubs from Bamenda to Yaoundé, Bafoussam to Douala, and Buea.

Dr. Fredy Nsia formally starts the program with a very enriching presentation on cardiovascular health

At key moments throughout the year, the Open Dreams Centre in Yaoundé functioned as a temporary primary healthcare hub, offering first aid, basic health screenings, and preventive health guidance to underserved members of the community, who are often unaware of their vital signs.

The Open Dreams Health Crew (OD Health) and volunteers in the market squares, inviting community members to show up for the health talk and checks

A major highlight occurred on World Heart Day, when a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientists, and other paramedics of the OD health Crew rallied to deliver targeted community health interventions. The program featured structured medical education sessions on cardiovascular health, with a focus on modifiable risk factors, early prevention, non-laboratory cardiovascular risk factors like family history, BMI etc.

These activities were complemented by primary healthcare services, beginning with a community immersion outreach and followed by a full day of free, open medical consultations at the Centre.

The welcoming team at the gate of the Open Dreams Facility

Through this intervention, numerous community members were able to assess their general health status, particularly regarding heart health, many for the first time.

Beyond clinical outcomes, the initiative reinforced trust, dignity, and health awareness within the community. We were so happy to see so many people show up with trust, humilty and collaboration for the health assessment program

Moments of one-on-one with the team of medics, after vital signs are taken. Community members with risky vital signs were referred to regular hospitals for follow-up.

This work reflects the broader philosophy of the Open Dreams Community: empowering lives (human development) not only through education and opportunity, but also through care and prevention.

Casual discussions on healthcare practices in Cameroon, highlighting the professional dynamics between nurses and doctors, as well as the common misunderstandings among them

In 2026, Open Dreams aims to scale the OD Health initiative, expand community reach, and deepen partnerships to ensure sustained health impact.

Beyond activities at the Open Dreams Centre, the OD Health Team actively expanded its reach and strategic collaboration. Our team engaged broader audiences through health presentations on CRTV to promote preventive health education.

Maurine Ninying (Midwife) and Dr. Lettitia Ababoh

As part of our commitment to women’s health, we implemented, in partnership with Check Me a breast cancer awareness campaign at Saint Benedict Catholic Bilingual College, Mvolyé - Yaoundé, emphasizing early detection and health-seeking behavior.

The Principal of St. Benedit Mvolye and the OD Health Crew and Check-Me Partner

In collaboration with the HeartSavers Initiative, we also co-led a stroke awareness campaign in the Simbock community, working closely with indigenous people to strengthen awareness on cardiovascular health and emergency response. These initiatives reflect our belief that building healthy communities requires partnerships, presence, and action beyond institutional walls.

All these efforts culminated in one of the most impactful Aviva Weeks to date; an initiative dedicated to preventing congenital anomalies, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, and ensuring every child has a healthy and dignified start to life.

World Breast Cancer Day - after-field-visit shot

We believe in education for sustainable development; education that responds to community challenges, enhances wellbeing and prosperity, and empowers individuals to reach their full potential and live lives of fulfilment. We are committed to translating knowledge into concrete actions that advance sustainability.

At St Benedict, Mvolye Yaoundé

...

Ad Hoc OD Health Crew - Yaoundé

Medical Doctors: Karen Essiane Davide, Lettitia Ababoh, Bloomsfield Atechi, Fredy Nsia, Edie Borisgoden, Ndip Valirie (Executive role + HSI)

Nurses/Midwifes/Laboratory Scientists: Maurine Ninying, Favour Muluh, Stessy Tingum, Wendy Ndah, Jenora Forchia, Joysline Tata Nene, Umaru Yusuf, Leticia Longtchi, Sonkoue Bryan, Jennifer Nkwenti, Betty Nfor