« A successful challenge for the National Office for Veterans, Former Military Personnel and Victims of War of Cameroon (ONACAM)»

On October 1st of each year, ONACAM joins the International Community to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP).

This year, the Office decided to innovate by organizing health campaigns for the benefit of veterans and their dependents on September 27, 28 and 29, 2022 at the Maison du Combattant in Yaoundé. The services specialized in cardiology, gerontology, ophthalmology and urology have been requested by the Director General in order to allow the members of ONACAM to meet the specialist doctors and benefit from their experience. To this effect, a team of military and civilian specialists selected from the 1st Joint Military Region Hospital because of their skills and know-how in terms of intergenerational relations, provided free medical consultations, counseling and listening sessions on geriatric diseases enriched by an educational talk on health and well-being of the elderly. This activity was well attended by veterans, members of the ONACAM Widows' Working Group and orphans of retired members of the Defense Forces. During these exchanges, they were largely edified on the health problems related to aging, on the symptoms of certain pathologies as well as the prevention methods and advice for a better consideration of their health.

In addition to this campaign, the Office, through its Social Action Service, organized exchanges between officials of the General Directorate and members of ONACAM on the management of veterans, the associative life of members, the functioning of the Office and the relations that should govern the relationship between members and the Office. Interested by the writing, the participants welcomed this initiative and wished that this kind of activities become perennial.

On October 1, 2022, day of celebration, the elderly of ONACAM participated in the great mass of the village of the seniors at the esplanade of the Ministry of Social Affairs. In a festive atmosphere, they celebrated with other seniors, the activities marking this day under the chairmanship of Her Excellency Mrs. Pauline Irène NGUENE, Minister of Social Affairs, in the presence of the Minister of Women and Family Promotion.

The ONACAM was represented by all its members, namely: Veterans, Former Military, Widows and Orphans. During the Honors to the Flag and the playing of the National Anthem, they distinguished themselves in their new uniforms and through a discipline worthy of the great military parades. The Working Group of Widows was not left out; wearing "Kabas", sumptuous traditional outfits of the soil, they distinguished themselves by their elegance, dynamism and beauty; which earned them many appreciations and ovations; enough to shake the incredulity of the most skeptical.

More than in the past, the members of ONACAM have marked with an indelible leap their participation in the celebration of this day. Her Excellency the Minister of Social Affairs, accompanied by the members of the Government present, went to meet the ONACAM delegation in order to address her compliments to the veterans for the quality of the services offered during this ceremony. Very honored like nowhere else, their faces lit up, they let show a feeling of satisfaction, pride and recognition of the Nation for not only the sacrifices made at the high price of their youth and their love for the Homeland, but also for the stabilization of our Institutions, of all those who embody them and of the social peace in our country. Thus, His Excellency urged the valorization of the skills of these seniors who served the Nation with honor and loyalty.

Very beautiful celebration which knew the participation of the Seniors of the Capital City and the other regions of the country. Mrs. Minister, in her great generosity, gave to each Veteran, a minimum package as a government support on the occasion of this celebration.

Successful bet for ONACAM, the appointment is made for the next edition.

 (é) Colonel Alfred FULLER