Cases of Abandoned Children On the Rise

Social affairs and security officials are increasingly disturbed over the growing number of cases of abandoned children in several localities in the country. The issue is even more alarming as radio announcements calling on parents remain unanswered, prompting urgent placement measures in foster homes to secure the babies.

Dschang: Two-week Old Baby Abandoned

Last December 29, 2013, about 10:00 a.m., a young unidentified woman abandoned her two-week old baby boy into the hands of one Marie Solange Mbafou Tsopfack at the "Eglise Evangéliste du Cameroun" premises in the Foto neighbourhood in Dschang, Menoua Division of the West Region. The baby was transferred to the Delegation of Social Affairs on January 2, 2014. Radio announcements broadcast since January 16, 2014 for the parents to come for their baby have proved futile.

Yaounde: Two-month Old Baby Found In Farm

In the night of December 20, 2013, one Claire Elysée Enyegue Owona found an abandoned two-month old baby boy in a farm situated in the Biyem-assi neighbourhood in Yaounde. The baby was handed to the Ministry of Social Affairs on December 23, 2013. A search for the baby's parents or family was launched on January 16, 2014 through radio announcements.

Okola: One-week Old Baby Abandoned

The inhabitants of Okola, a locality in the Lekie Division of the Centre Region, woke up on December 7, 2013 to find a one-week old baby boy who had been abandoned in the bushes of the Quartier Haoussa neighbourhood. The baby was handed to the head of the Social Centre in Okola, Jeanne d'Arc Mama, who on December 13, 2013, placed him with the Centre for Children in Distress (CAED) in Yaounde.

Bamougoum: Two-month Old Girl Found On Highway

An abandoned two-month old baby girl was discovered along the Bafoussam-Mbouda highway between the Bamougoum Palace and the Baobab Roundabout. The baby was first taken to the West Regional Hospital in Bafoussam and later unto the Ministry of Social Affairs on September 19, 2013 where she is being taken care of.

In the midst of these abandonment cases, several press releases and announcements have been issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs inviting concerned relations to call 22 22 29 58 or write to the Minister of Social Affairs.