Since 2016, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has been instrumental in Cameroon’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This partnership focuses on ensuring that all Cameroonians, especially the most vulnerable populations—such as those living with HIV—have equitable access to essential healthcare services.

In Cameroon, approximately 70% of health services are funded out-of-pocket by patients, creating significant barriers to access, particularly for marginalized communities. Recognizing these challenges, the U.S. Government, through the Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control (RISE) project, collaborates closely with Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health to implement UHC initiatives that reduce household healthcare costs and enhance access to quality services nationwide.

Launched on April 12, 2023, the UHC program has achieved remarkable milestones, with over 2.5 million individuals enrolled as of August 5, 2024. Key accomplishments so far include:

• 642,090 children receiving free consultations.

• 346,395 women accessing affordable prenatal care.

• 140,416 deliveries conducted without charge.

• 1,246 dialysis patients receiving treatments at a fraction of previous costs.

• Free consultations for over 500,000 children.

• Complementary treatment for nearly 450,000 individuals living with HIV.

• No-cost tuberculosis treatment for over 27,000 patients.

These statistics underscore the program's effectiveness in enhancing access to vital health services for individuals who previously faced financial constraints, particularly women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Jose Tchofa, the Health Office Director for USAID Cameroon, noted that the U.S. Government through PEPFAR is proud to have provided technical support to the Ministry of Public Health. He emphasized that this partnership reflects a strong commitment to improving healthcare access for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable populations who need essential services.

The introduction of UHC in Cameroon offers renewed hope for individuals living with HIV, who now have access to comprehensive HIV services rather than just free antiretrovirals. After the official launch ceremony, Ms. Mounton, a mother of six who has known her HIV status since 1992, expressed her relief in accessing free viral load testing, which has significantly enhanced the quality of care for those living with HIV. She noted that before the start of UHC, viral load testing was not provided free of charge. Now that she is enrolled in the UHC program, she feels relieved to receive equitable access to healthcare.

The expansion of the UHC package has positively impacted individuals requiring costly treatments, such as dialysis, which is now available at minimal fees, providing essential financial relief.

The U.S. Government's commitment, facilitated through the RISE project, emphasizes collaboration with local and international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, to strengthen Cameroon’s health systems to meet the needs of all its populations. These collective efforts have made equitable healthcare access for all Cameroonians increasingly attainable.

Furthermore, the RISE project plays a crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS and enhancing health systems by promoting health-seeking behaviors and reducing financial burdens on individuals. The UHC initiative promises improved healthcare access for thousands, ensuring individuals living with HIV receive comprehensive and free essential services.

The expansion of the UHC package has positively impacted individuals requiring costly treatments, such as dialysis, now available at minimal fees, providing much-needed financial relief.

As Cameroon continues its UHC journey, PEPFAR, USAID, and other development partners remain committed to maximizing the benefits of UHC and providing affordable, quality care to all Cameroonians. The U.S. Government will continue its support through the RISE project to Cameroon’s UHC initiative, ensuring equitable access to healthcare becomes a reality for millions.

About RISE

The Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control (RISE) project is a global initiative funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID. RISE supports countries to achieve a shared vision of attaining and maintaining HIV epidemic control, working with local partners capable of achieving results through sustainable and self-reliant health systems. Management Sciences for Health (MSH) leads the project’s foundational work on health systems strengthening for sustainable HIV services by collaborating with stakeholders at all levels of the health system. The RISE partnership is led by Jhpiego, in consortium with ICAP at Columbia University, MSH, ANOVA Health Institute, BAO Systems, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Public Health and Human Rights, and Mann Global Health.