Health and Well-being – The case of Cameroon
Health and well-being in Cameroon is characterized by a mixed public-private system facing severe challenges, including a shortage of professionals, inadequate equipment, and regional disparities, despite efforts to offer free care for some services. Life expectancy has increased to 61.8 years (2021), but 1.8 million people require emergency health assistance, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Key issues include malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and emerging non-communicable diseases.
Key Aspects of Health and Well-being in Cameroon:
- Healthcare System & Access: While the government funds some healthcare, there is a major shortage of qualified medical staff and a lack of proper equipment in public hospitals. Rural areas face significant disadvantages compared to urban centers.
- Major Health Threats:
- Infectious Diseases: Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis remain significant challenges, with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) supporting efforts to combat them.
- Outbreaks: Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps have occurred, particularly in the North-West and South-West regions.
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): There is an increasing focus on diabetes and other NCDs, with initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits and physical activity among youth.
- Mental Health: A study found a 8.4% prevalence of depression, with over 57% of respondents reporting high levels of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Well-being & Living Conditions: Poor housing, overcrowding in camps, and limited access to electricity and water contribute to poor health outcomes, including frequent malaria, as reported in NIH (National Institutes of Health) studies.
- Humanitarian Concerns: In 2023, 1.8 million people required humanitarian health assistance, with significant gaps in funding for health services, especially in the North-West and South-West regions.
- Future Projections: By 2025, it is estimated that 2.6 million more people will be covered by essential health services, though the number of people enjoying better health and well-being is projected to decline slightly.
Initiatives and Improvements:
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Support: The CDC has been supporting Cameroon’s health sector since 1998, focusing on strengthening health systems, improving HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria control, and responding to health threats.
- Vaccination Campaigns: Mass vaccination campaigns have been implemented, such as for measles, which reached over 520,000 children in 2023.
- Community Health Clinics: Local health agents are increasingly used to provide care in underserved areas, often incorporating holistic approaches like herbal medicine and health education, according to the Himalayan Institute Humanitarian.
- Nutritional Interventions: Programs are being developed to target nutritional needs, specifically for adolescents and pregnant women.