Maternal and Neonatal Health: Chantal Biya Champions Donation For The Sick

FCFA 20 million. This is the sale price of jersey with the number nine. The jersey is not an ordinary one and so is the purpose of its cost. It belongs to the legendary footballer, Samuel Eto'o Fils. On Saturday June 7, 2025, the jersey was put on an auction sale by its owner during the annual charity gala organised by the Sovereign Order of Malta in Cameroon. The First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya was present at the auction sale destined to ensure better healthcare for Cameroonians, especially children suffering from cancer, vulnerable persons as well as to curb maternal and neonatal mortality. After several bids, the highest bidder took home the jersey of Samuel Eto’o at the cost of FCFA 20 million. The jersey was just one among the 33 items put on auction by the Sovereign Order of Malta in Cameroon to foster their humanitarian works, particularly at the Saint John of Malta Hospital in Njombe, Moungo Division of the Littoral Region, Rohan-Chabot leprosarium in Mokolo, Mayo Tsanaga Division of the FarNorth Region and the Paediatric Oncology Centre located at the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaounde. In a relaxed atmosphere during dinner, Maître Ludovic Morand, Auctioneer and Former President of the “Compagnie des Commissaires-Priseurs Judiciaires de Paris” coordinated the auction sale of items such as metal statuettes, whisky, champagne, bags of coffee, non-standard pictures, traditional artefacts from different regions in the world amongst others. Françoise Mbango's jersey and boob used during the Olympic Games in 2002 in the triple jump event was sold at FCFA 5 million. A two metre embroidered shawl and its pouch by Bedouin women from the Sinai Desert in Egypt was sold at FCFA One million. 25 Kg of Penja White Pepper was sold at FCFA 2.1 million. A 1.7 metre artwork from the Cameroonian artist Jean David Nkot, celebrating the daily lives of manual workers handling cotton bales in the Far North Region was sold at FCFA 6 million. A 40-metres Ndop fabric woven on artisanal looms, designed and dyed in the traditional way was sold at FCFA 3 million. After three hours of bidding, the Sovereign Order of Malta was able to raise over FCFA 60 million for a just cause. Before the start of the auction sale, the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Cameroon, JeanChristophe Heidsieck took to the rostrum to thank the audience, especially the First Lady, for always taking time to help those in need. He revealed that last year’s Grand Charity Gala of the Order of Malta in Cameroon was a resounding success as they were able to raise FCFA 120 million. The money was then distributed among the three main Charities of the Order of Malta in Cameroon. As such, FCFA 80 million was given to Saint-Jean of Malte Ho...