Cameroon is developing a comprehensive national strategy to eradicate cholera by 2030. From October 30 to November 3, the Ministry of Public Health (Minsanté) convened a workshop in Mfou, the capital of the Mefou-et-Afamba department (Centre), to formulate this plan. The workshop gathered various stakeholders, including sectoral bodies engaged in cholera prevention efforts, technical and financial partners supporting Cameroon in meeting its goals, and civil society organizations.

The forthcoming document will serve as a guiding reference for coordinating national initiatives, donor contributions, and partnerships, all working towards the goal of eradicating cholera in the country. Aligned with the objectives and principles of the Global Cholera Strategy, which seeks to achieve a 90% reduction in cholera-related deaths by 2030, the plan underscores the collective efforts of affected countries and the support extended by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC).

With the collaboration of cholera-affected nations, technical partners, and donors, the GTFCC is optimistic that at least 20 countries can halt the transmission of the disease by 2030. Cameroon has grappled with cholera for over two years, with the outbreak officially declared by health authorities on October 29, 2021, in the South-West region and persisting since then. According to official data, as of October 26, 2023, the country has reported 21,074 cases, including 498 deaths. Among Cameroon's ten regions, three -Centre, Littoral, and South West- still have active cases.

Patricia Ngo Ngouem