AGP Executive Report

HIV Prevention Shock: UNAIDS reports nearly 1.2 million fewer people received HIV prevention medicines in 2025, with PrEP access down 38% across 62 countries—an alarming hit for countries including Cameroon. Healthcare Access Boost: MTN Cameroon’s Y’ello Care 2026 is building a new lab in Japoma to expand equitable healthcare access, with the programme themed on bringing better services closer to vulnerable communities. Local Health Leadership Honoured: Holy Family Church presented its Saint Teresa of Calcutta Award to Dr. Peter Robie, recognising long-term medical support for underserved people in Cameroon and work helping strengthen a hospital project. Policy Focus in Parliament: Cameroon’s National Assembly opened its June session with attention on cost of living and mining sector reforms, including calls for more transparency—an issue that can affect public health funding and services. Trade & Health Sector Exposure: Yaounde’s International Business, SME and Partnership Exhibition opened June 16, running to June 21, with healthcare among the featured sectors and business matching aimed at strengthening regional partnerships.

Healthcare Access & Community Support: MTN Cameroon’s Y’ello Care 2026 is building a new laboratory in Japoma under a theme of expanding equitable access to healthcare, aiming to bring modern services closer to a fast-growing area. Health Policy & Governance: Cameroon’s National Assembly opened its June session with MPs pushing for better transparency in the mining sector and stronger focus on healthcare, water, electricity, and cost of living—issues citizens say are still not improving fast enough. Public Health & Risk Context: UN agencies warn that Middle East conflict disruptions are delaying shipments of medicines, vaccines, and emergency relief, raising costs and threatening public health supply chains across Africa. Infrastructure & Health Determinants: Cameroon’s policy debate is also being shaped by major transport plans like the Trans-Sahara Superhighway—reported as a trade and access corridor that can indirectly support health service reach through improved logistics.

Healthcare Access & Tech: MTN Cameroon’s Y’ello Care 2026 is set to build a digital lab in Japoma District, aiming to expand equitable access to healthcare for every community. Public-Private Funding: SAGO 2026 opened in Yaoundé (June 8–13) under the theme “Public-Private Partnership,” with government pushing PPPs to mobilise resources for development projects amid economic headwinds. Health Policy & Leadership: Cameroon’s House Speaker Theodore Datouo used the June session opening to press for better transparency in the mining sector and stronger delivery on cost of living, youth jobs, education, healthcare, water and electricity. Ebola Preparedness: Cross River activated emergency measures after Ebola alerts in Uganda and the DRC, including intensified surveillance, active case searches, and an operations centre on alert mode. Global Aid Logistics: UN agencies warned that Middle East conflict disruptions are delaying shipments of medicines and vaccines, raising costs and threatening public health supply chains.

Ebola Preparedness in Cross River: Cameroon’s Cross River State has activated emergency measures after fresh warnings of Ebola Virus Disease importation risks from Uganda and the DRC, with the public health emergency operations centre put on alert, intensified surveillance and active case searches, and closer collaboration with neighbouring Cameroon and border authorities. HIV Prevention Hit by Aid Cuts: UNAIDS warns that PrEP use has fallen by nearly two-fifths across 62 countries after swinging aid cuts, with drops of more than 50% reported in Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda and Kenya—raising fears that prevention gains are reversing. Cameroon Parliament Pushes Transparency: At the opening of the 2026 legislative year, House Speaker Theodore Datouo flagged cost of living, youth unemployment, education, healthcare, water and electricity access, and called for stronger transparency and oversight in the mining sector, alongside land tenure reforms. Health Policy Appointment: Nkafu Policy Institute appoints Dr Luchuo Engelbert Bain as Non-Resident Fellow in health policy and human development, strengthening evidence-informed policymaking efforts. Diocese Marks 10 Years: Kumba Catholic Diocese celebrates its 10th anniversary, praising Christian solidarity during the Anglophone crisis and urging the faithful to live “love” as the church’s identity.

Ebola Preparedness: Cross River State in Nigeria has activated emergency measures to prevent Ebola Virus Disease importation, with its public health emergency operations centre on alert, intensified surveillance and active case searches, and closer collaboration with neighbouring Cameroon and border authorities. HIV Prevention Warning: UNAIDS reports PrEP use has fallen by nearly two-fifths across 62 countries after aid cuts, with Cameroon among countries seeing drops of more than 50%, raising fears that prevention progress is slipping. Blood Shortage Push: Ahead of World Blood Donor Day (June 14), Cameroon’s National Blood Transfusion Center launched a special donation drive in Yaoundé to tackle a severe national shortfall—about 400,000 units needed yearly versus 186,500 collected in 2025—while noting regional gaps in blood coverage. Health Policy Appointment: Nkafu Policy Institute appointed Dr Luchuo Engelbert Bain as Non-Resident Fellow in Health Policy and Human Development, strengthening its push for evidence-informed health policymaking. Digital Education IDs: Cameroon is rolling out student digital IDs for secondary schools via MTN Cameroon, linking records and school administration services—part of broader moves that can also improve access to health-related support systems.

Ebola Preparedness: Cross River State has activated emergency measures to prevent Ebola Virus Disease spread, with its public health emergency operations centre on alert mode, intensified surveillance and active case searches, and closer monitoring of travellers and unexplained bleeding deaths amid outbreaks in Uganda and the DRC. HIV Prevention Alarm: UNAIDS warns that PrEP use has fallen by nearly two-fifths across 62 countries after aid cuts, with steep drops reported in Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda and Kenya—signalling prevention efforts are going backwards. Blood Shortage Push: Ahead of World Blood Donor Day (June 14), Cameroon’s National Blood Transfusion Center launched a drive in Yaoundé to tackle a severe national shortfall; the country needs about 400,000 units yearly but collected 186,500 in 2025, leaving gaps that hit hospitals nationwide. Health Policy Expertise: Nkafu Policy Institute appointed global health strategist Dr Luchuo Engelbert Bain as a Non-Resident Fellow in health policy and human development, strengthening evidence-informed policymaking capacity. Education & Health Access Tech: Cameroon is rolling out student digital IDs for secondary schools via MTN Cameroon, linking records and services—part of a wider push to make credentials act like access keys to public systems.

Blood Donation Drive: Ahead of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, Cameroon’s National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) has launched a push in Yaoundé to tackle a severe national blood shortage, citing daily needs for road accident victims, childbirth complications, severe anemia, malaria cases and surgery; Cameroon needs about 400,000 units yearly but collected 186,500 in 2025 (up from 147,034 in 2022), lifting coverage from 37% to 47%—still leaving a gap of over 200,000 units, with some regions above 60% coverage while South, North and Far North sit below 30%. HIV Prevention Setback: UNAIDS warns that PrEP use has fallen by nearly two-fifths across 62 countries after aid cuts, with Cameroon among nations reporting drops of more than 50%, raising alarm that prevention progress is reversing. Ebola Preparedness: Cross River State has activated emergency measures to prevent Ebola importation, including border surveillance, intensified active case searches, and alert-mode operations at its public health emergency center, while coordinating with Cameroon. Drug Quality Red Flag: A separate report on oxytocin deaths in India highlights regulatory gaps and spurious medicine risks—an urgent reminder for stronger pharma oversight. Education Digital ID: Cameroon is rolling out student digital IDs for secondary schools via MTN Cameroon, linking records and payments to improve education administration and access.

HIV Prevention Under Pressure: UNAIDS says use of daily anti-HIV PrEP fell by about 38% across 62 countries between 2024 and 2025, with sharp drops reported in Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda and Kenya—warning that aid cuts are pushing prevention “backwards.” Blood Shortage Drive: Ahead of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, Cameroon’s National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) launched a Yaoundé campaign to attract new and regular donors; the country still needs about 400,000 blood units yearly but collected 186,500 in 2025, leaving a shortfall of over 200,000. Mpox Alert in Cameroon: Government officials urged armed separatist groups in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions to allow safe access for healthcare and humanitarian workers as mpox spreads, with early clusters linked to truck and bus drivers and cases reported in Southwest, Douala and Bafoussam. Digital Education IDs: Cameroon is rolling out student digital IDs for secondary schools, linked to academic records and services via MTN Cameroon, building on a 2024 system of unique student identification numbers. Ebola Risk to Wildlife: As Ebola cases rise in DRC, conservation groups warn endangered gorillas face heightened risk because the virus can spread between humans and primates, while conflict and funding cuts hamper response.

Mpox Alert in Cameroon: Cameroon’s government has urged armed separatist groups in the English-speaking regions to allow safe access for healthcare and humanitarian workers as mpox spreads, with early cases linked to truck and bus drivers and fears the virus could move along key transport routes. Education & Health Systems: Cameroon is rolling out a student digital ID for secondary schools via MTN Cameroon, linking IDs to academic records and school administration—part of a wider push to digitize services that can also support access to health-related records. Community Public Health Support: University of Bamenda’s public water supply shows how higher education institutions can directly improve local wellbeing, reducing the burden of long-distance water collection for nearby communities. Nutrition & Wellness: Coverage highlights a wider shift toward traditional grains and indigenous foods in parts of Africa, tied to concerns that declining use of millet, sorghum, legumes and leafy vegetables is worsening micronutrient deficiencies. Child Protection Focus: A Douala press briefing by a coalition of civil society groups warns of a growing child sexual abuse crisis and calls for stronger, coordinated action from stakeholders. Global Health Risk: Two NIH scientists face criminal charges in the U.S. over alleged mpox smuggling, raising fresh questions about biosecurity and compliance in outbreak-related research.

Mpox Alert in Cameroon: Cameroon’s government urged armed separatist groups in the English-speaking regions to allow safe access for healthcare and humanitarian workers as mpox spreads, with officials warning the virus may be moving along transport routes after early clusters among truck and bus drivers; Community Health & Access: A spotlight on Cameroon’s public universities shows how social services—like free water at the University of Bamenda—help nearby communities and reduce daily health risks tied to water scarcity; Parliament & Public Welfare: Cameroon’s Parliament opened its June session with lawmakers pushing to tackle cost of living pressures and gaps in healthcare, education, electricity and potable water, alongside calls for tighter oversight of mining revenues and better land governance; Child Protection Crisis: A Douala press briefing by a civil society coalition warned of a growing child sexual abuse crisis, citing recent cases of alleged abuse of very young pupils and calling for urgent coordinated action; Health Research & Training: A new conceptual framework discusses how ADHD can affect medical students and physicians, adding to the push for better support for mental health and learning needs in healthcare workers.

Mpox Alert in Cameroon’s Conflict Zones: The government has urged armed separatist groups in the English-speaking regions to allow safe access for health and humanitarian workers as mpox spreads, with authorities warning that transport workers may be helping move the virus across key routes. Parliament Focuses on Health Access and Cost of Living: Cameroon’s Parliament opened its June session with lawmakers calling for urgent action on the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, and gaps in public services including healthcare, potable water, and electricity, alongside demands for tighter mining revenue transparency and better land governance. Public Hiring Boost for Health: Cameroon plans to recruit 2,090 new public employees in 2026, including 200 specialist physicians and 1,000 teachers, as health and education hiring drives the increase. Child Protection Alarm: A Douala press briefing by a coalition of civil society groups warned of a growing child sexual abuse crisis, citing recent cases involving pupils and calling for stronger coordinated action. Community Health Gains: In Konye, a new Mbakwa Supe traditional council was installed, with the chief highlighting past improvements including upgrading the local health centre to a subdivisional hospital status with a visiting medical officer. International Mpox Case Linked to Cameroon: Separately, U.S. prosecutors charged two NIH-linked researchers—including a Cameroonian—over alleged mpox virus smuggling into the United States.

Child Protection Crisis: A Douala press briefing by PLAFOSCIL says Cameroon is facing a growing child sexual abuse crisis, citing recent cases including alleged abuse of pupils in Yaoundé IV and calling for urgent, coordinated action from all stakeholders. Public Health & Prevention: A Cameroon HPV vaccination confidence dialogue in Kumbo highlighted misinformation as a key barrier, stressing that HPV vaccination before exposure can prevent cervical cancer, which remains a major cause of cancer deaths among women. Health Workforce: Cameroon plans to recruit 2,090 public sector workers in 2026, with the biggest boosts in health (including specialist physicians) and education. Regional Health Emergency: The Central African Republic reports over 50 measles-related deaths since April, mostly children, in Vakaga’s Ndjiffa area. Humanitarian Pressure in Central Africa: The UN warns Central Africa’s political gains are fragile as security deterioration, humanitarian emergencies, shrinking civic freedoms and governance failures converge. Boko Haram Aftermath: In Nigeria’s Borno State, 11 women abducted from Dille regained freedom after military operations, with families reporting medical checks before reunification. Labour & Migration (Health-linked): Kuwait’s new domestic worker recruitment rules restrict hiring to 10 approved countries and ban many others including Cameroon, citing oversight involving health authorities.

Mpox & cross-border health risk: U.S. federal investigators have charged Dutch virologist Dr. Vincent Munster and Cameroonian research assistant Claude Kwe over an alleged attempt to smuggle deactivated mpox vials into the United States via Detroit after work in Congo, raising fresh questions about biosafety and travel controls. Cervical cancer prevention: In Kumbo, Cameroon health stakeholders met to boost confidence in HPV vaccination, stressing that HPV causes nearly all cervical cancer cases and that vaccination before exposure can prevent disease. Public health alerts: Measles has killed more than 50 people in the Central African Republic since April, with most victims reported as children—an urgent reminder for surveillance and routine immunisation. Health system support for athletes: FECAFOOT signed a partnership with Turkey’s Memorial Hospital Group to improve medical care for Cameroonian footballers, including specialised medical evacuations when needed. Child rights & health: Cameroon Children’s Month activities in Yaoundé highlighted children’s right to health, including safe water, hygiene, and prevention of violence and abuse. Workforce & services: Cameroon plans to recruit 2,090 public sector workers in 2026, with major increases in health and education staffing.

Mpox Alert (Cameroon-linked): U.S. prosecutors say Dutch virologist Dr. Vincent Munster and Cameroonian assistant Claude Kwe were charged after allegedly trying to smuggle deactivated mpox vials into the U.S. via Detroit, following work in Congo during an mpox outbreak. Football Health Access: FECAFOOT signed a framework deal with Turkey’s Memorial Hospital Group and MEMORIAL Cameroon to give current and former Cameroonian footballers direct access to advanced care, including medical evacuations for complex treatment. Child Health & Water: Cameroon Children’s Month in Yaoundé highlighted children’s rights to health, safe drinking water and hygiene, with plans to push prevention of violence and abuse. Measles (Regional Risk): Central African Republic authorities report over 50 measles-related deaths since April, mostly children, underscoring the need for vigilance in the region. Cancer Capacity (Africa-wide): Merck Foundation and partners continue oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts across multiple African countries, aiming to reduce late diagnosis and specialist shortages.

Mpox Safety & Accountability: A Dutch virologist, Dr. Vincent Munster, and Cameroonian research assistant Claude Kwe have been charged in the U.S. over an alleged attempt to smuggle deactivated mpox vials and other biological materials into the country via Detroit after work in Congo during an mpox outbreak. Sports Medicine Access: FECAFOOT has signed a framework deal with Turkey’s Memorial Hospital Group and MEMORIAL Cameroon to give current and former Cameroonian footballers direct access to advanced care, including specialized medical evacuations for complex treatment. Community Health Outreach: A Chinese medical team’s 25th batch provided free consultations and treatment to over 230 patients in Ngat-Bane (Centre Region), covering multiple specialties and issuing medication. Children’s Rights & Health: Cameroon marked the 6th edition of Children’s Month with a focus on promoting children’s rights, including the right to health, safe drinking water, hygiene, and prevention of violence and abuse. Water Risk Watch: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked.

Mpox Vigilance in Buea: Cameroon’s South West health authorities are urging calm and vigilance after a suspected Mpox (monkeypox) case was reported in Great Soppo, Buea, involving a 9-year-old girl; officials say monitoring and lab tests are underway and that prevention measures are already in place. Free Care in Rural Cameroon: A Chinese medical team delivered free healthcare services in Ngat-Bane (Centre Region) and treated 230+ patients across internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics/gynecology, eye and ear-nose-throat care, plus rehabilitation and acupuncture, with medication provided. Water Safety Warning: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked for water quality and public health protection. Leadership Update: President Paul Biya has left Cameroon for a brief private stay in Europe, as Yaoundé awaits the next cabinet. Security and Care Needs (Nigeria spillover): Reports from Borno say Boko Haram freed hundreds of abducted residents from Ngoshe, underscoring the urgent need for medical screening and psychosocial support for survivors.