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Medical examinations are systematically conducted upon admission and in the
event of an epidemic, and are carried out on a case by case basis, depending on the
child‟s ailment.
F. Abuse, Neglect), Exploitation, including Physical and Psychosocial
Rehabilitation (Articles 16 and 27)
Cameroon has carried out studies on the sexual exploitation of children, child
labour in the informal sector and trafficking in children.
These preliminary studies have confirmed that children in Cameroon are victims of
such forms of violence. National plans of action to address the problem focus on
prevention, assistance and reintegration. Further studies are also envisaged to gauge the
extent of the phenomenon so as to identify areas in which it is most likely to occur.
A workshop held in Bandjoun in December 2005 formulated a code of conduct for
stakeholders in child protection and guides on prevention of sexual exploitation of children.
These would be used by children to enable them to protect themselves, by parents, to
enable them to protect their children and by teachers, to enable them to prevent the
phenomenon.
VII.
BASIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
A.
Survival and Development of the Child (Article 5)
The health and welfare of children is of prime concern to Cameroon‟s public
authorities. While strides have been made in this area, major challenges still remain due
to the high rate of neonatal and under-five mortality and the high percentage of women
who die through childbirth, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. This seriously undermines the
survival and development of children. For poliomyelitis, however, remarkable progress
has been made.
Implementation of the integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) is
ongoing, and aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality arising from infant diseases such
as acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malaria and malnutrition.
With the capacity building of the expanded programme on immunization (EPI) and
free vaccines and syringes at public health facilities since 2003, the immunization
coverage has improved.
In concrete terms: