The Chia Report

Transforming Cancer Care in Tanzania – An Interview with Dr. Twalib Ngoma

By Innocent Chia

(Part of a series of Live Interviews conducted during Global Health Catalyst Cancer Summit, Boston)

Through a combination of visionary leadership, deep commitment to a set goal, his networking ability and a somewhat receptive political environment, Dr. Twalib Ngoma reversed the tides against Cancer patients in Tanzania by working the system to establish Cancer Centers and a National Cancer Plan.

As a result of its impact on the community, the echoes reverberated beyond the borders of Tanzania. Today, the work or Dr. Ngoma is getting replicated across the region and he is more than willing, as he shares in the following interview with DUNIA Magazine, to assist other African countries that are serious about tackling cancer as a health priority.

Continue reading Transforming Cancer Care in Tanzania - An interview with Dr. Twalib Ngoma at www.duniamagazine.com

On Cancer Care in Kenya … An interview with Esther Ikiara

On Cancer Care in Kenya … An interview with Esther Ikiara

May 24, 2016 0

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By Innocent Chia

(Part of a series of Live Interviews conducted during Global Health Catalyst Cancer Summit, Boston)
After putting up a fierce battle with Cancer that included several long and expensive out-of-country trips to far away South Africa, Esther Ikiara lost her husband in May of 2003. What she did next with her anguish and devastation is what ultimately brought her to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at the Harvard in Boston, Massachusetts for the Global Health Catalyst Cancer Summit. Building on the trappings of their family frustrations, as well as the difficulties to access and afford cancer care for the vast majority of Kenyan patients, she has embarked on a gigantic and ambitious project to build a non-for-profit cancer center in Mombasa, Kenya. The 3.3 Million USD project is more than overdue in a part of the world where it is more likely for a person to be diagnosed and die from cancer than HIV/AIDS. In the course of the next four weeks DUNIA Magazine will be sharing more interviews of participants – including a provider, a patient practitioner and an advocate – from the Global Health Catalyst Cancer Summit that held at the end of April (29th-30th) at the Harvard Medical School.

Continue reading On Cancer Care in Kenya...An interview with Esther Ikiara at www.duniamagazine.com

Personalization of problems as a potent antidote in fight against cancer?

By Innocent Chia - from Boston for DUNIA Magazine

Two days and over 18 hours of serious and significantly important presentations and discussions at the 2016 Global Health Catalyst Cancer summit were more than anyone needed to be jolted to the urgency of now in the fight against Cancer. The April 29th – 30th event, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard in Boston-Massachusetts, was an interdisciplinary meeting place of passionate minds and professionals who are racing for solutions to a scourge that devours life with time – cancer. In spite of remarkable scientific progress in cancer research and treatment, the growing numbers of new cases is a daunting reality. Participants at the annual summit inescapably had to answer the question whether to go at it alone and faster, or go together with other stakeholders and go farther?

What about “WOMAN”? – An interview with Filmmaker and Producer – Goretti

There are literary critics that have long maintained that the Biblical account of the serpent deceiving Eve to partake of the fruit from the forbidden tree is all a hyperbolic metaphor for infidelity. By the very least, the story of Adam and Eve unveils how complex relationships between men and women can become. Complexity is the stock explored in the new movie “WOMAN” by Goretti Etchu-Egbe – a London based self-made Cameroonian actor and novice filmmaker. As we learn from her in the following exclusive interview with DUNIA editor-in-chief Innocent Chia, the Bournemouth University graduate, star and producer of her movie, “WOMAN”, is a trailblazer who has decimated obstacles in her life by creating new opportunities. So what if she did not study theater arts or filmmaking in school? It has not blunted her zeal or passion for what she feels is in her soul.

Continue reading What about "Woman"? An interview with filmmaker and producer - Goretti

Vote for Dr. Wilfred Ngwa to help Cure Cancer

By Innocent Chia

Over the last several weeks there has been online voting for three deserving finalists of the Bright Futures Prize Competition at the renown Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts, USA. The push and appeal to vote for one of the candidates, Dr. Wilfred Ngwa (PhD) has been fascinating to watch for many reasons, the most important being the likely impact that his search for a cure for cancer could have on individual lives, families and communities across the globe.

In the waning days of his campaign to be the fourth winner of the Bright Futures Prize, we caught up with the Brigham & Women Hospital (BWH) researcher to share with us about his belief in and passion for TidTaC - the revolutionary one-two knockout punch against cancer that he and his team are working on - ; his motivation and inspiration in life; as well as thoughts on the long road to success.

(Visit www.brightfuturesprize.org now and vote for Dr. Ngwa's "Tiny Drones to Target Cancer").

Why has female genital mutilation survived for so long?

By Innocent Chia

Imagine what eating your favorite food, or any dish, will feel like without the ability of your tongue to taste it, to lick and to swallow the food. That is female genital mutilation. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is predominantly the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora. The tongue is to the mouth and eating, what the clitoris is to the vagina and female sexuality and sensuality. There is abounding empirical evidence that the route to female sexual pleasure passes through an arousal of the clitoris. Would you therefore, of sound mental and physical health, and of your own volition, cut your tongue or allow its cutting?

 If our answers are identical, it is a resounding NO! As far as ideas for stomping and stamping out this practice, my submission, therefore, is that the questions must be that of finding out "who does this barbaric and ancient practice benefit and why does it persist?"

Continue reading  at http://www.duniamagazine.com/2015/08/why-has-female-genital-mutilation-survived-for-so-long/

 

Thoughts on Nelson N. Mokum's "The Cameroon of Tomorrow " - inspired by Christopher Fomunyoh

By Innocent Chia

Over the last couple of months Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh has been crisscrossing the globe answering questions on his vision and presidential ambitions for Cameroon as contained in a publication that compiles his interview extracts with the local and international press. The bilingual publication, with English and French versions to reflect Cameroon's colonial bilingual heritage, combine for 212 pages of sometimes complementary reading. Published in 2013 by Editions Veritas in Douala, Cameroon, the compilation is a first by Nelson Mokun, a national journalist who gained the permission of Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh to publish. Christopher Fomunyoh (PhD) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for International Affairs, at which he is the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, became household names in Cameroon after the contentious presidential election results in Cameroon in 1992. The following are highlights of the thoughts harped on by Christopher Fomunyoh and the publication itself.

Southern Cameroons fire warning shots against its re-colonization by LRC

An unnamed source has availed The Chia Report of a highly confidential and sensitive document urging the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to take responsibility and act to avoid the outburst of another violent conflict in Africa. The Committee for the Decolonization of the Southern Cameroons (ComDeSC) is asking that the AU and the UN, faced with an historic abnegation of its Colonial obligations by Great Britain and complicit dereliction of responsibilities by the UN, enforce their own resolutions to terminate further annexation and colonization of the hitherto UN Trust territory by neighboring Republique du Cameroun. In the Briefing Paper, the ComDeSC deep into history to chronicle the lapses and ruses of the International community that have resulted in the continued existence of this one of two re-colonization cases in Africa. Beyond sounding the alarm bells of an impending doom if left to fester, the 26 page Briefing Paper, here attached in its entirety, proffers ideas for a bloodless solution led by the AU and the UN.

 Download Briefing Paper

Philanthropist at age of 8 – An Interview with Mongai Fankam

Interview by Innocent Chia for DUNIA Magazine (DM)

She is “my 11 years old going on 50”, Abong Fankam said jokingly of her daughter, Mongai Fankam as we prepared for the interview. The comment came as Mongai insisted that she needed no help with the answers because it would water down her professionalism! Whose dream is it not to have a child who recognizes at the age of eight (8) that they are so blessed it is important to reach out to the less fortunate and make a difference? This is the story of Mongai Fankam. But it also the story of her mother, is it not, breaking type from what is obtained in most third world communities and families, and cheerleading her child to do what she feels called to do in making the world a better place, irrespective of her age.

As a parent from an underdeveloped country (Cameroon) that has headlined news for close to two decades about the incurable corruption of public officials, the actions of Mongai give me more than hope; they give me joy. The cures for the ailments are far away from the public sector and may belong to another generation. Herewith my interview with Mongai Fankam: the little girl who has activated her community, and well beyond, into angels for kids across Africa who lack basic school supplies.

Continue reading "Philanthropist at age of 8 – An Interview with Mongai Fankam"

My Property Till Death Do Us Part – A Bride Price movie date with Victor Viyuoh

By Innocent Chia

Long after money became the currency of preference for conducting business, many parents in rural Africa still see their daughters as commodities to be traded for building materials such as zinc to roof their dream house, or cement to lay the floor. Victor Viyuoh’s multi-award winning film Ninah’s Dowry, is set in rural Cameroon and captures in compelling fashion, the true cost and consequences – to the individual, the family and the community at large – of auctioning off a daughter for short term gains. The candor of the film is what hits home hardest, leaving no grown man in the room indifferent to spousal abuse, be it here or there, be it by a friend or to a stranger.

Dunia Magazine’s Editor-in-chief caught up with the screenwriter and producer of Ninah’s Dowry on transit in France. Victor Viyuoh was on his way to Cameroon for the grand release of the movie in select theaters in the country from March 14th through the 28th.

Continue reading My Property Till Death Do Us Part – A Bride Price movie date with Victor Viyuoh

Why should Africans & A. Americans resolve their perennial feud? Peres Owino Interview

By Innocent Chia

Twitter has been abuzz for followers of Peres Owino – Kenyan born actress, dancer, writer and producer – on the heels of vital acclaim at the Pan African Film Festival for “BOUND: Africans Vs African Americans”, same winner of the 2014 Women In Cinema Lena Sharpe Award.

The accolades, including two 2015 nominations for the Black Reel Awards and Image Awards, more than offer a flicker into the vast body of steadfast entertainment by the multitalented graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. But “BOUND” is more than entertainment. By all accounts, the voyage is an earnest discourse into the labyrinth of checkered relationships between siblings who are over 400 years old – African Americans and Africans.

DUNIA Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Innocent Chia recently caught up with the trailblazing and multifaceted Ms Peres Owino to talk about BOUND and much more.

Continue reading "why Should Africans & A. Americans resolve their perennial feud? Interview with Peres Owino". 

 

COMMENT: President Biya has Nothing to Fear but Youth Impatience

By Boh Herbert (Picture from medvibez.com)

Any political leader who, like President Paul Biya, makes only two speeches a year, and only does so because he has no way of escaping the assignment, is bound to be a bit - well, rusty. On the eve of the 54th anniversary of the historic vote on 11 February 1961 for independence by Southern Cameroonians - Mr. Biya rattled a few incoherent things meant to serve as a speech for youth. He did not fail to disappoint. Apparently unable to name names, the president called on young Cameroonians to avoid being misled by what he called "birds of ill omen, dreamers and enthusiasts of virtual calls for destabilization". 

Translation, anyone? 

OPINION: Paul Biya and the Art of Confessing Political Sins

By Boh Herbert

Widespread killings, hostage takings and acts of terror by Boko Haram militants in the Far North Region and violence wrought by armed bandits and/or rebels on the border with the Central African Republic (CAR) may pose a growing security threat to Cameroon. However, no one expects Boko Haram to overrun Cameroon. That is why Cameroon’s stalling economy may be its most difficult short- and long-term problem. President Paul Biya admitted as much in his end-of-year address to the nation...

Paul Ayah takes the bait

By Innocent Chia

Magistrate Paul Abine cannot be oblivious of the creamy history of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), Achidi Achu and Fru Ndi. It is an open secret that the legend of John Fru Ndi and his ascension to the SDF throne is only made possible thanks to President Biya’s torpedo of the original choice of the party’s Founding Fathers. Ahidi Achu became President Biya’s choice for Prime Minister shortly after Biya got wind of what the SDF was brewing. The Founding Fathers gave Fru Ndi the opportunity to take the bull by the horns; he registered the SDF party; broke the one-party monolith; and torpedoed the cause and course of the organization as a movement for the liberation of Southern Cameroons.

2 Pennies constructs a City upon a Hill in Ghana

By Innocent Chia

Following worship service on Sunday, Jim and I stood in the lobby area of the First Baptist Church of Elgin discussing the remarkable road travelled by 2 Pennies (2p) Ministry. Jim Reed, upon who was bestowed God’s revelation for the mission and vision of 2p, counted its blessings and achievements. “Can you imagine three years have gone by since we started this effort to support the poultry project,” he marveled. As soft-spoken as Jim is, the excitement is palpable in his eyes as he echoes, almost verbatim, what he had submitted in our formal interview: “We have been surprised and blessed at how God has moved through our ministry. Every step along the way, we have moved by faith, trusting that the Lord would provide EXACTLY what we need. We have found this to be the case.”

In the ensuing interview with DUNIA Magazine, Jim walks us through how God is using willing hands and faithful partners to serve communities in Bawjiase, a suburb of Accra, Ghana.

Continue reading 2 Pennies constructs a City upon a Hill in Ghana at http://www.duniamagazine.com/2014/12/2-pennies-constructs-a-city-upon-a-hill-in-ghana/

Hon. Wainchom Francis Isidore Nkwain – Life and Death

By Innocent Chia

The passing away of Senator Francis Nkwain on Sunday October 19, at the Yaounde Central Hospital, continues to echo disbelief and shock waves especially among family, friends, but also the community at large. A long time midrange fixture of the Biya regime, Senator Wainchom Francis Isidore Nkwain was a riveting polarizing regional political figure and cultural icon. Without pretense, he lived life on his own terms, loved boyishly, served loyally and cared tremendously for his own and himself.

Are you the coward beating up on your wife or fiancée?

By Innocent Chia: DUNIA, Editor-in-chief - Blog: ChiaReport  Twitter: @innochia 

Let’s call you by your name: coward. Let’s call you by what you are: coward. A coward is someone who harms or attacks people who are weaker or unable to defend themselves; someone regarded as fearful and uncourageous. The video of former Baltimore Ravens running star back, Ray Rice pulling a Mike Tyson knockout punch on his then fiancée, now wife Janay Rice, in a Casino elevator is rightfully shinning the light on a human rights issue that has been on the hush-hush for far too long.  We see tell-tell signs of battered spouses when we visit with some of our friends and implicitly endorse the savage behavior by shrugging our shoulders and looking the other way, or drinking a beer to male power. Shame on you! Shame on me!

 Continue reading "Are you the coward beating up your wife or fiancee? @ www.DuniaMagazine.com

Kah Walla to Discuss Boko Haram with Cameroonians in Maryland, US

By Innocent Chia - DUNIA, Editor-in-chief - Blog: ChiaReport  Twitter: @innochia

The 2011 Presidential Candidate for the Cameroon People’s Party (CPP), Edith Kah Walla will be in Maryland to discuss the plague of regional insecurity that has claimed several victims, is petrifying population swaths across the region and has caused a recent internal CPDM ruling party fissure between elites of the Lekie Division and those of Northern Region. Billed for Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 03:00 EST PM, attendees of the event at 8710 Cameron St, Silver Spring, MD – 20910 should expect for the President of the CPP to share information about her mid-August solidarity visit to the Northern Region. The visit, scheduled on the heels of the unprecedented hijacking by Boko Haram of the wife of a Senior government official, Cameroon Deputy Prime Minister Ahmadou Ali, and several other victims that were either killed on hijacked, was designed to show support to families, the military on the ground, and local administrators who are in the eyeball of the terrorist group. It can be expected that Kah Walla, seen as opponent of the Biya regime without representation in the national Assembly, will discuss her efficacy in meeting with civic and military leaders who see themselves as ruling at the behest of President Biya for Biya.

(www.Duniamagazine will have a full interview with Kah Walla on this pressing matter).

Boko Haram – Made in Nigeria for sale in Cameroon

Innocent Chia: DUNIA Editor-in-Chief - Blog: ChiaReport Twitter: @InnoChia

Their kidnapping of 223 pre-puberty school girls in the village of Chibok certainly earned them global ire, but it is only one in a pantheon of brazen onslaughts that have become a trade mark against local populations since their emergence at the turn of the second millennium. In search for answers and in an attempt to understand the anatomy of the beast, the first diagnostic has been a conflagrated reading into what the name of the group means – Boko Haram = “hatred for Western education”.

This piece argues that while the atrocious actions on the ground justify such an interpretation, it may be the kind of convenient myopia that has thus far resulted in band-aid measures and no long term fixes. There is no getting to the heart of the problem, however, without recognizing that Boko Haram is, directly or indirectly, the creation of past and present regimes in Nigeria and Cameroon that granted States within the State to some Islamic leaders.

 

Cameroon: Vice PM’s Wife Hijacked by Boko Haram – Really?

Innocent Chia:

Following new information reaching us, The Chia Report has had to pull down the story with above title. This is in solidarity with the families and search and rescue missions that continue in the wake of the abduction of the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister, Madam Ahmadou Ali. Now in week three of what is visibly a most high profile abduction by Boko Haram in both Nigeria and Cameroon, the Mayor of Kolofata, Lamido Seini Lamine and his family also remain missing. Families of a score and more victims that were brutally killed in the raids continue to search for answers amid a kneejerk reactive government response that is coming too late for the dead. Meantime, there are many who are questioning the chances of the Elite Cameroon Army to search and rescue the captives. The despair is informed by the relative futility of efforts deployed by the Nigerian Army in their attempts, even with support from the International community, to rescue the 200 plus girls that were hijacked by same Boko Haram militants over three months ago.