Stories from humanitarian workers and beneficiaries in Cameroon highlight the ongoing impact of food and nutrition assistance provided by the World Food Programme (WFP), with support from the United States Government. On World Humanitarian Day 2025, several individuals shared their experiences about how such aid has improved lives in regions affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.
Clarisse Asta, a mother of three, described her experience with WFP’s nutrition programme: “My name is Clarisse Asta. I am 29 years old and a mother of three. One of my children was suffering from malnutrition, and I did not know how to help her recover.
Since joining the WFP nutrition programme four months ago, I have received specialized food and learned how to prepare nutritious meals using local ingredients. My daughter has gained weight, and her energy has returned. I now have the knowledge and confidence to keep her healthy.
This support has changed our lives. I am grateful to WFP and its partners for helping families like mine regain their health and hope.”
Christopher Katete works for WFP in Cameroon and spoke about the challenges faced by humanitarian teams: “Working for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Cameroon, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how humanitarian food and nutrition assistance transforms the lives of those most affected by crises. Every day, our teams operate under challenging conditions to deliver life-saving aid to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities—many of whom have lost everything due to conflict, insecurity, and weather-related disturbances like floods and droughts.
Food at warehous – Photo WFP_Joseph Fambove/A beneficiary is receiving rice in Far North region – Photo WFP_Mayramou MadakiOur staff work in some of the most remote and insecure regions, often traveling long distances and navigating difficult terrain and volatile environments. Despite these challenges, our commitment to serve those in need remains unwavering. The work is demanding, but the sense of purpose and the visible relief on the faces of those we assist make it deeply fulfilling.
The support of the United States Government has been irreplaceable in enabling this work. U.S. contributions have allowed WFP to reach millions of people with critical food and nutrition assistance, often in areas where no other support is available. This partnership is not only vital—it is a lifeline. As humanitarian needs continue to grow, it is more urgent than ever to maintain this support to prevent further suffering and instability. On this World Humanitarian Day, I pay tribute to the dedication of humanitarian workers and express heartfelt gratitude to our partners and donors, including the American people, for their continued solidarity in saving lives and offering hope to those who need it most.”
Amina Hamza described her situation as a refugee from Central African Republic living in Gado-Badzéré: “My name is Amina Hamza. I am 29 years old and a single mother of five. I am a refugee from the Central African Republic living in Gado-Badzéré. Before receiving support from the WFP, feeding my children was a daily struggle. Some days we had only one meal; on others we had none at all.
For the past year, WFP cash assistance has enabled me to purchase food that meets our needs—maize beans,and vegetables.My children now enjoy three meals a day.They are healthier,stronger,and happier.I have even been able to invest in my small vegetable business.
This support has restored our dignityand given us hope for future.If it were stop,I fear we would return hunger.I am deeply grateful all those who support WFP.You are providing us with lifeline.”
Jean Paul Mbang highlighted aviation’s role: “Aviation is critical to humanitarian response as it is often only means reaching communities isolated by conflict or disaster.
My work ensures aircraft delivers food,supplies,and personnel those who need them most.This not just job;it mission aligns with my belief every person deserves live dignity.
Thanks continued support American people UNHAS can operate flights that reach most vulnerable hardest-to-reach locations particularly Far North region.”
Other staff members also emphasized collaboration with local authorities,difficult working conditions,and focus on building trust within communities.Aimable Hakuzweyezu said,“In Adamawa,we encounter numerous challenges including poor road conditions limited network coverage dwindling food supplies increasing needs.Nevertheless,we remain steadfast mission serve most vulnerable dignity.Making meaningful impact extends beyond simply providing food or cash assistance.It involves building trust with communities actively listening concerns collaborating closely local authorities ensure no one left behind.”
Evone Abey added,“Each day,I contribute delivery food cash assistance ensuring vulnerable families receive urgent help they need.Humanitarian work inherently unpredictable requires resilience empathy ability adapt swiftly.What motivates me witnessing light return mother’s eyes when she can finally feed her children.I feel sense fulfilment hearing relief father’s voice when he receives cash support enabling him purchase food dignity.Our efforts provide comfort stability hope.This more than just job;it mission proud serve.”
Fritz Mudika explained his motivation:“My mission ensure WFP activities delivered effectively ground.This continuous challenge often requires working beyond regular hours but rewards make effort worthwhile.What motivates me knowledge my work changes lives each field visit follow-up distribution site helps families who lost everything access food or cash assistance restoring their dignity bringing renewed hope.”
Edwige Lore Mawache stressed importance community engagement:“I find great fulfilment supporting personal development building resilience within communities Each village unique characterized own customs languages ways life Earning trust these communities requires time humility active listening This trust essential without meaningful collaboration impossible Every day strive strengthen these connections lasting change can only be achieved together.”
The United States remains one of main supporters enabling organizations like WFP deliver aid across Cameroon.Recent reports indicate growing number people facing acute hunger due combined effects violence climate shocks economic instability,hence international partnerships continue play crucial role meeting urgent needs.[Source]