In a moving display of generosity and communal solidarity amid Cameroon’s challenging times, philanthropist Mr. Joseph Mubang (now widely known as Dr. Joseph F. Mubang, Founder and CEO of the JF Mubang Foundation) made headlines in April 2022 for his extraordinary support toward transforming healthcare in the North West Region.
During the solemn Chrism Mass and Archdiocesan Cathedraticum held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the expansive Piazza of St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral in Big Mankon, Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda, publicly commended Mr. Mubang before a gathered congregation representing all 54 parishes of the Archdiocese.
The event, a key liturgical celebration where holy oils are blessed and funds are raised for diocesan initiatives, centered that year on the ambitious project to upgrade St. Blaise Catholic Hospital in Bamenda into a state-of-the-art referral facility. This upgrade aimed to address critical healthcare shortages in a region grappling with conflict-related challenges, limited infrastructure, and the needs of underserved rural and urban populations.
Archbishop Nkea highlighted Mr. Mubang’s recent donation of a fully loaded 40-foot container of medical equipment, valued at over 150 million FCFA (and later referenced in reports as part of broader contributions reaching 300 million FCFA in equipment). This shipment included essential diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and patient care devices—vital resources that would significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality care.
In a moment that drew applause and prayers from the assembly, Mr. Mubang stood before the faithful and made a public pledge: he personally committed 80 million FCFA to the construction of the hospital’s new facilities. Furthermore, speaking on behalf of the extended Mubang family—both at home in Cameroon and in the diaspora—he announced an additional 80 million FCFA contribution from the family collective. Together, these pledges totaled 160 million FCFA dedicated to the project.
The proposed 6-storey building will feature modern amenities including:
- An Out-Patient Department for efficient general consultations,
- An ultramodern maternity ward to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes,
- Advanced diagnostic units for accurate testing and imaging,
- Specialized therapeutic wards for targeted treatments, and
- An ultramodern mortuary to provide dignified care in final moments.
Archbishop Nkea, visibly moved, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Local Church in Bamenda. He prayed fervently that “God may never stop providing” for Mr. Mubang and his family, invoking divine blessings for their continued generosity. The Archbishop’s words underscored the donation’s role as a beacon of hope in difficult times.
Dignitaries present reinforced the recognition. H.E. Adolphe Lele Lafrique, Governor of the North West Region, and Prof. Dr. Forbuzinshi Angwafo III Fru (a prominent medical figure) joined the Archbishop in thanking Mr. Mubang for his “outstanding humanitarian assistance.” Their presence highlighted the event’s significance beyond the Church, uniting civic, medical, and religious leaders in appreciation.
This act of philanthropy built on Mr. Mubang’s growing legacy. Having spent over four decades in the United States building success in business and healthcare-related ventures, he returned to his roots in the Mbatu community to give back. The 2022 Chrism Mass announcement marked a pivotal moment in his mission through the emerging JF Mubang Foundation, which has since continued supporting St. Blaise Hospital—including a building extension inauguration (with floors named in honor of contributors like Mubang) and further commitments to regional facilities.
In a region where access to advanced medical care remains a pressing need, Mr. Mubang’s contributions have been described as life-changing—reducing the suffering of thousands who previously traveled long distances or went without essential treatment.
