The structure will cater for minor health problems of students, administration and teaching staff.

A modern infirmary, equipped with drugs, chair, table and cupboard, was yesterday, handed over to Government Bilingual High School, Military Engineering Corps barracks at PK10 in Douala.

Comprising a treatment room, waiting room and modern toilet, the modern structure, which was constructed in six months, covers an area of 45 square meters.

The construction of the infirmary follows the wish expressed by the school after repeated cases of convulsions, thought to be the result of the presence of a Hysacam refuse dump nearby.

Thanks to the gift by the Hygiene and Sanitation Company, Hysacam, the infirmary will cater for some minor health problems of students, administrative and teaching staff.

According to the Principal, Bakop Ikonyo Cécil, the school is adjacent the lone Hysacam dump in Douala and was exposed to some health problems.

Henri Delor Sosso, Wouri Divisional Delegate for Secondary Education, chaired the handover ceremony in the presence of Hysacam officials, students and staff of the institution.

The facility, he said, was relevant and should be well taken care of to serve the interests of users.

Mbakop Theodore, Hysacam’s Chief Accountant, who represented his General Manager, revealed that the structure was part of the company’s plan to equip schools and universities as well as construct infirmaries for them.

“We believe that children are the first actors of hygiene and sanitation. We invest in schools to help them inculcate the notion of hygiene and sanitation. We intend to extend this gesture to other schools in Deido and Bonaberi in the nearest future,” Mbakop disclosed.

According to Bakop Ikonyo Cécil, the handover was timely as it will solve a crucial health problem the institution has been grappling with over the years.

Cases of convulsion and malaria were hitherto handled by the health facility of the nearby Military Engineering Corps. The infirmary, she said, will serve the 3,500 students and 167 administrative and teaching staff of the school.

It will go operational in the 2016-2017 school year.

She commended Hysacam for other forms of assistance like trash cans, brooms, books and prizes to students and teachers.