Improving HIV screening rates is a top priority for Cameroon's health authorities. During the National AIDS Control Committee's (CNLS) first statutory meeting on April 23rd in Yaoundé, experts identified "sociocultural barriers limiting access to screening" as a key challenge. Religious and traditional beliefs were highlighted as major obstacles.

The proposed solution is a mass awareness campaign focused on informing and training community leaders. Experts believe this is crucial for Cameroon to catch up with leading African countries in HIV screening.

The latest data paints a clear picture: Cameroon lags behind. In 2022, the Global Fund reported 68,000 HIV tests conducted among priority populations. In comparison, Côte d’Ivoire conducted 219,000 tests, and South Africa, a continental leader, conducted 356,000 tests during the same year.

Ultimately, Cameroon aspires to achieve the UNAIDS target of 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status by 2030.

Michel Ange Nga