Universal Health Coverage to Revolutionize HIV Care in Cameroon with the U.S. Government's Contribution

How more than 130,000 Cameroonians Living with HIV Now Benefit from More Equitable Access to Health Care thanks to the Expansion of the Universal Health Coverage Program (UHC) With the Support of the PEPFAR/USAID RISE Program

“Now, with the viral load test being offered free of charge through the UHC, the quality of care for HIV patients has reached an optimal level” Dr. Daniel Ekoua, Director of Biyem-Assi District Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Yaoundé, November 2023. In Cameroon, individuals living with HIV face financial struggles and limited access to equitable health services. Affording viral load tests and treatment for other diseases is challenging, posing potential health risks and financial burdens. However, hope is on the horizon with the recent launch of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Cameroon, promising improved healthcare access for thousands of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Previously, only antiretrovirals were provided free of charge, but now, thanks to the historic Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Program launched in April 2023, 136,000 Cameroonians living with HIV now have free access to a wide range of essential HIV services at public health facilities. Ms. Mounton, a mother of six who has known her HIV status since 1992, shares her past challenges. She explains that viral load testing had to be paid for prior to testing. With the opportunity she had to enroll in the UHC program, she feels relieved for being able to receive Equitable Access to Health Care.

Dr Daniel Ekoua, Director of the Biyem-Assi District Hospital in Yaoundé emphasizes that treating HIV requires comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessments. He stated: “In the past, patients could receive antiretroviral treatment at no cost, but were still unable to afford a viral load test, which is essential for successful treatment. This limitation posed a constraint on the quality of care provided. Now, with the viral load test being offered free of charge through the UHC, the quality of care for HIV patients has reached an optimal level.”

Moreover, the expansion of the UHC package has had a significant impact on individuals who previously faced financial challenges in accessing dialysis treatment. Now, patients requiring dialysis, including PLHIV, only need to pay a nominal fee of 15,000 francs (approximately 25 USD) per year for their treatment.

The Government of Cameroon has developed a comprehensive UHC package including HIV patients, with financial and technical support from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Management Sciences for Health (MSH) as one of the implementing partners of the Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control (RISE) Program. This package offers 185 interventions free of charge, ensuring quality standards are met. To ensure successful implementation, the RISE Program and its partners have worked tirelessly to communicate the new measures to facility managers, health providers, and the public. USAID, through its partnership with MSH, has provided training sessions to strengthen the capacity of the health workforce. They have also developed tools for invoice management and enrollment, ensuring smooth operations of the UHC Program. Additionally, a targeted communications plan was executed to create awareness and promote enrollment in the program.

The USAID/RISE project aims to improve healthcare services in Cameroon, with a specific focus on pregnant women, children under 5, patients on dialysis, TB patients, and PLHIV. By strengthening local healthcare systems and achieving epidemic control, RISE aims to reduce new HIV infections, improve the quality of life for PLHIV, and decrease morbidity and mortality. The Government of Cameroon, with support from partners like the US. Government has made significant progress in implementing the UHC Program, which has the potential to benefit everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

By integrating HIV services into the UHC Program, Cameroon is paving the way for sustainable financing of the HIV response. As Cameroon continues its UHC journey, MSH and the USAID RISE Program remain committed to maximizing the benefits of UHC and providing affordable and quality care to all Cameroonians.