The Global Fund has awarded Cameroon €289,908,532 (over XAF190 billion) to intensify the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. This announcement was made by Health Minister Manaouda Malachie on April 24th during the National AIDS Control Committee's (CNLS) first statutory meeting of the year.

Targeted Funding for Improved Health Outcomes

Minister Malachie explained that the funds will be used to "finance activities to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and to strengthen the country's health system over the 2024-2026 period." He emphasized that the allocations were "based on a methodology approved by the Global Fund's board, primarily focusing on the burden of disease and income level. Cameroon is classified in the lower-middle-income country category."

Efficient Use of Resources is Crucial

The Minister highlighted the importance of managing the funds effectively. "Funding is always a critical issue," he said. "No government has unlimited resources, and there are many competing demands. Therefore, it's imperative that the available funds are spent wisely and efficiently, focusing on the most critical areas." He stressed that a primary goal is to "improve the living conditions of people living with HIV."

Positive Progress, But Challenges Remain

The Global Fund acknowledges Cameroon's significant progress in preventing, diagnosing, and treating these three diseases. Regarding HIV/AIDS, a major public health concern, Ministry of Public Health data shows a decrease in prevalence from 2.7% in 2018 to 2.1% in 2023. Additionally, over 90% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, and nearly all those diagnosed receive treatment, with over 90% achieving viral suppression.

Despite these successes, Minister Malachie acknowledged "gaps" and "shortcomings" in achieving the WHO's 95-95-95 targets (95% diagnosed know their status, 95% diagnosed receive treatment, and 95% on treatment have undetectable viral loads by 2025). These challenges include issues with healthcare facility coordination, task delegation, retaining mothers, children, and adolescents in care, early diagnosis, and managing resources effectively.

Patricia Ngo Ngouem