Mbouda: Newborn Found Abandoned at Bamessingué Health Centre, Investigation Opened

 

A newborn baby has been discovered abandoned at the Espoir Health Centre in Bamessingué, Mbouda subdivision of the Bamboutos Division, in an incident that has prompted the opening of an official investigation.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, May 3, 2026, disrupting the relative calm of the neighbourhood around the busy Yam Market area. According to accounts gathered from health personnel, a young woman reportedly presented herself at the maternity unit under the pretext of seeking urgent medical attention for her child, without completing the required administrative formalities.

It is reported that she later took advantage of the situation to leave the facility unnoticed, abandoning a male newborn behind. The infant was found alongside a handwritten note in which the alleged mother reportedly cited social rejection and threats from relatives and the child’s father as reasons for her action.

Health workers at the facility immediately intervened, providing first aid to the baby before alerting security forces. The Mbouda Gendarmerie Brigade was subsequently deployed to the scene to open investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

The Divisional Delegation of Social Affairs for Bamboutos has also been engaged to provide psychosocial support and coordinate follow-up measures in collaboration with health authorities.

Medical sources indicate that the newborn is in stable condition. He has since been transferred to the Mbouda District Hospital, where he is receiving continued care and monitoring.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to identify and locate the mother. Social welfare authorities have appealed to members of the public for cooperation, urging anyone with useful information to assist in ongoing inquiries, with a view to ensuring the child’s protection and long-term welfare.