AND WHEREAS the socially and economically disadvantaged segment of the population were particularly affected, as their problems could not be adequately addressed.  Consequently several preventable and communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and others, rapidly spread and are endemic today, thus accounting for a high morbidity and mortality rate among the general population.  Even within the urban and semi-urban set ups where private and public health units abound, the majority of the population is unemployed, live on less than 1 dollar a day and cannot afford needed health services.  The dependency rate on salaried and other low-income earners, who are in the minority is equally very high.

AND WHEREAS twelve years down the road, the health status of must of the 16.000.000 Cameroonians is still hopeless.  The high scale morbidity and mortality rates due to HIV / AIDS has caused tragic social and economic effects on the lives of many households nationwide.  It is not ironic to observe that health units particularly of the private sector are witnessing a steady decline in patient load; yet paradoxically a steady increase in indebtedness, as those attended to cannot pay for services received. Consequently, Cameroonians are increasingly turning to alternative medicines that do not have most of the solutions to their health problems.

AND WHEREAS responding to this crisis, Saint Louis Clinic recently took a unique initiative to increase access to medical care to the underprivileged. Without compromising on the quality of care, the cost of laboratory investigations experienced a 50% drop while consultation and hospitalisation fees scrapped off for very poor patients.

AND WHEREAS it is against this background that St. Louis TEMPLAR HEALTH FOUNDATION is founded, with a special mission and vision for the underprivileged in Bamenda and in the wider community.  In collaboration with St. Louis Clinic and other institutions with a similar mission, the Foundation will function as a non-profit, charitable, humanitarian and Non Governmental Organisation, catering for the health needs of vulnerable people and empowering them to fight poverty and disease- the greatest threats to the sustainability of human life.  This venture will no doubt bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to the dying and narrow the gap between the poor and the rich.

AND WHEREAS ST. LOUIS TEMPLAR HEALTH FOUNDATION envisages a Cameroonwhere:-

•     “Health for all” and “Health is wealth”, change from slogans and concepts to blue prints for action.
• The rights to good quality health for the economically and socially disadvantaged segment of the population are recognised, protected and upheld.
• The use of cost effective health technologies, reduce preventable deaths and improve on the lives of people.
•   People of goodwill, the government, national and international organisations will compassionately and generously respond to the basic livelihood needs of all, thus ensuring a healthier and wealthier nation.

AND WHEREAS with the above vision, the Foundation is committed to support and enhance the health and overall well being of resource-limited and disadvantaged segment of the community through:

v     The provision of accessible and cost effective integrated health care services.

v      The creation of opportunities for Cameroonians to unleash their creative energies as well as develop their capacities for economic and social growth for sustainable human development.