In both countries, malaria is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 5.
Djemba's district covers a population of nearly 30,000 people, from across several neighborhoods, villages and nomadic encampments. Djemba, a registered nurse, has led the Doba Health Center for more than 6 years. Every month, he and his team sees between 400 to 500 patients.
Malaria is one of the top three reasons a patient visits their facility.
One of these patients was Mansi Germaine, who had headaches, weight loss and joint pain. She ran a fever for 2 days before she decided to seek treatment at Doba Health Center.
Djemba examined her and conducted a rapid diagnostic test to confirm Germaine's diagnosis: malaria. He prescribed medicine for the mother of four, counseled her on how to take the medicine over the next 3 days and explained important steps she could take to help prevent future malaria infections for herself and her family, like sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets. At the end of the visit, Djemba scheduled her for a follow-up appointment.
Germaine wasn't alone in those 3 days though—community health workers make home visits to check on the progress of clients like Germaine and ensure that families are prepared to beat malaria.
The past 10 years have proved that an end to malaria is no pipe dream. With collaborative effort, investment and the dedication of health workers across the region, the fight against malaria can be won.
Alongside the ExxonMobil Foundation, Ministries of Health of Chad and Cameroon, National Malaria Control Programs, local partners and health workers, we're aiming for a bright future, where no family, community or country suffers from malaria.
This story was a collaborative effort between Mamadjibeye Joseline, Djimodoum Moyreou and Cole Bingham, with photography by Karen Kasmauski.