AGP Executive Report

Counterfeit medicines: A new UNODC–WHO–CEMAC report warns that medicine trafficking is a major public health threat across Central Africa, driven by gaps in access to safe, affordable drugs; authorities seized at least 251 tonnes in Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon between 2020 and 2025, including antibiotics, anti-malarials, painkillers and psychoactive medicines like tramadol and pregabalin—fueling treatment failures, poisonings and avoidable deaths. Blood supply crisis in Yaoundé: A Cameroon-focused piece highlights chronic shortages at Yaoundé’s referral hospitals and the National Blood Transfusion Centre, describing how empty blood banks can turn emergencies into preventable tragedies. Child health through surgery: A BMC Pediatrics study reports that corrective surgery for neglected clubfoot and other deformities in rural Cameroon helped most children walk with less pain, wear ordinary shoes and return to school. Air quality funding gap: Research says some of the most polluted countries, including Cameroon, receive under $2 per person per year for outdoor air pollution—despite air pollution driving millions of premature deaths. Housing and health link: World Habitat Day 2026 calls for adequate housing as a foundation for dignity and healthier, more resilient cities. Conflict and health impacts: A decade-long Anglophone crisis anniversary story renews attention on ongoing loss of life and the human toll on communities. Governance: Cameroon mourns the death of Constitutional Council president Clément Atangana, raising questions about electoral oversight ahead of 2027.

Air Quality Funding: New research says some of the world’s most polluted countries, including Cameroon, received under $2 per person per year in international support for outdoor air quality in 2024—despite air pollution driving millions of premature deaths. Flood Preparedness: A reminder that heavy rain becomes deadly when cities are poorly planned—blocked drainage, plastic waste, and degraded ecosystems all raise flood risks in Cameroon. Measles Risk: Health experts warn that measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years, meaning outbreaks can linger beyond the rash and fever. Child Health (Surgery Follow-up): A Cameroon study on corrective surgery for neglected clubfoot and other deformities reports high family satisfaction and improved walking, shoe-wearing, and school return. Immunisation Barriers: Coverage highlights how vaccine access can fail even when families want care—cold-chain limits and clinic availability can trap communities in low coverage. Constitutional Council: Cameroon’s Constitutional Council president Clément Atangana died in Paris, raising questions about leadership of the electoral oversight body ahead of expected 2027 polls. Fuel Subsidies & Health Budget Space: IMF reporting urges Cameroon to rein in fuel subsidies and tighten spending to protect priority infrastructure—an issue that can affect health financing indirectly. Women’s Safety: A broader Africa-wide look at femicide stresses prevention, reporting, and prosecution gaps that still leave women at risk. Health Diplomacy: UN emergency funding includes Cameroon, with money aimed at humanitarian needs and disability support.

Health Funding Boost: Cameroon and the United States signed a new financial framework for an about $850 million health partnership through 2030, with the US to provide about $400m (CFA240bn) and Cameroon expected to co-invest up to $450m (CFA270bn), building on a 2025 memorandum. Child Health & Access to Care: A Cameroon study on corrective surgery for neglected clubfoot and other musculoskeletal deformities reports that nearly 90% of families were satisfied, with most children able to walk without pain, wear ordinary shoes and return to school—highlighting the value of follow-up data in low-resource settings. Public Health Risk: Health experts warn that measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years, meaning outbreaks can create long-term health burdens beyond the rash and fever. Health System Pressure: An IMF post-financing assessment says Cameroon’s fuel subsidies are worsening the fiscal outlook, urging tighter spending and better-targeted subsidies while protecting priority infrastructure. Governance & Health Context: Cameroon is also grappling with the political shock of the reported death of Constitutional Council president Clément Atangana in Paris, raising questions about electoral oversight at a sensitive time.

Gender-Based Violence: UN Women and UNODC report that in 2024 about 22,600 women and girls in Africa were killed by intimate partners or family members, with Africa the highest rate—activists say governments must turn pledges into real prevention, reporting, and prosecution. Corrective Surgery in Cameroon: A BMC Pediatrics study tracking nearly 200 children treated for neglected clubfoot and other deformities in rural Cameroon finds families largely satisfied and many children able to walk without pain, wear normal shoes, and return to school. Food Safety Watch: Researchers detected six heavy metals (including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) in chicken and egg samples from poultry farms in Cameroon’s Center, Littoral and West regions, raising concerns about controls despite limited sampling. Health Funding Deal: Cameroon and the U.S. signed a financial framework for an about $850m health partnership through 2030, with U.S. support of about $400m and Cameroon co-investing up to $450m. Public Health Risk: Coverage warns measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years, not just the rash and fever. Institutional Health & Governance: Cameroon mourns the death of Constitutional Council president Clément Atangana in Paris, triggering debate over the future of constitutional oversight.

Health Partnership: Cameroon and the U.S. have signed a new financial framework for an $850m health program through 2030, with the U.S. pledging about $400m (CFA240bn) and Cameroon expected to co-invest up to $450m (CFA270bn). Food Safety: A study found six heavy metals (lead, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury) in chicken and egg samples from poultry farms in Cameroon’s Center, Littoral and West regions, raising concerns about controls—though the sample was limited. Public Health Risk: New reporting highlights how measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years after the rash and fever fade. Humanitarian Health Funding: The UN released $160m from its emergency fund for crises including Cameroon, with part of the money reserved for people with disabilities. Local Health Support: Switzerland’s ambassador met Cameroon’s territorial administration minister, discussing humanitarian action and health support, including assistance to two hospital facilities in the Far North. Livestock Health: Cameroon’s MINEPIA convened experts to validate a plan to eradicate peste des petits ruminants and control other priority diseases by 2030.

Health Funding & Access: Cameroon and the U.S. have signed a new financial framework for a $850m health partnership through 2030, with the U.S. set to support about $400m and Cameroon co-invest up to $450m—aiming to strengthen the health system. Food Safety: Researchers report six heavy metals (including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) in chicken and egg samples from Cameroon’s Center, Littoral and West regions, raising fresh questions about poultry safety controls. Public Health Risk: A report warns measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving children vulnerable to other infections for years after the rash and fever fade. SRHR & Maternal Health: A study on female infertility highlights how chlamydia—often asymptomatic—can drive reproductive complications, with major prevention gaps in low-resource settings. Humanitarian Support: The UN released $160m from its emergency fund for crises including Cameroon, with part of the money reserved for people with disabilities. Community Health & Inclusion: Cameroon launched a campaign to extract and resocialize street children and vulnerable youth in Yaoundé, targeting at least 300 by December 2026. Livestock Health: MINEPIA convened experts to validate a strategy to eradicate peste des petits ruminants and control other priority diseases by 2030.

Cameroon–U.S. Health Funding: Cameroon and the United States signed a financial framework for a major health partnership worth about $850m (CFA510bn) through 2030, with the U.S. pledging $400m (CFA240bn) and Cameroon co-investing up to $450m (CFA270bn). WHO–Cameroon Primary Care Roadmap: Cameroon’s Public Health Minister presented the 4th WHO Country Cooperation strategy for 2025–2029, shifting focus to primary healthcare and community systems, including universal coverage, stronger health governance, and better epidemic preparedness. Food Safety Watch: Researchers reported six heavy metals in chicken and egg samples from poultry farms in Cameroon’s Centre, Littoral and West regions, raising concerns about controls despite limited sampling. Measles After-Effects: A new report highlights how measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years—an urgent reminder for vaccination and follow-up care. Livestock Health Planning: MINEPIA convened experts to validate Cameroon’s strategy to eradicate peste des petits ruminants and control priority diseases by 2030. Humanitarian Support: The UN released $160m from its emergency fund for crises including Cameroon, with part reserved for people with disabilities. Social Inclusion Drive: Cameroon launched a campaign in Yaoundé to extract and resocialize street children and vulnerable youth, targeting at least 300 by December 2026.

Cameroon–U.S. Health Funding: Cameroon and the United States signed a financial framework for a health partnership worth about $850 million (CFA510bn) through 2030, with the U.S. contributing about $400m (CFA240bn) and Cameroon expected to co-invest up to $450m (CFA270bn). Food Safety Watch: A study found six heavy metals (including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) in chicken and egg samples from poultry farms in Cameroon’s Centre, Littoral and West regions, raising fresh questions about controls, even as the researchers note the sample was limited. Immunization & Outbreak Risk: Health coverage highlights how measles can cause long-lasting immune damage, leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years—an urgent reminder for vaccination and follow-up care. Public Health Planning: WHO and Cameroon unveiled the 2025–2029 cooperation roadmap, shifting toward primary healthcare and community systems, with priorities spanning governance, universal coverage, emergency preparedness and health promotion. Humanitarian Support: The UN released $160m from its emergency fund for crises including Cameroon, warning that funding alone won’t solve access barriers. Social Inclusion in Yaoundé: Cameroon launched a campaign to extract and resocialize street children and vulnerable youth, targeting at least 300 in Yaoundé by December 2026.

Cameroon–U.S. Health Funding: Cameroon and the United States signed a new framework agreement for a roughly $850m (CFA510bn) health partnership running through 2030, with the U.S. set to provide about $400m (CFA240bn) and Cameroon co-investing up to $450m (CFA270bn). Food Safety Watch: Researchers report six heavy metals (lead, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury) in limited chicken and egg samples from poultry farms in Cameroon’s Centre, Littoral and West regions, raising concerns about controls even as the study’s sample size limits conclusions. Health System Roadmap: WHO and Cameroon launched the 2025–2029 Country Cooperation strategy, shifting toward primary healthcare and community systems, with priorities spanning governance, universal coverage, emergency preparedness and health promotion. Social Protection for Youth: Yaoundé launched a campaign to extract and resocialize street children and vulnerable youth, targeting at least 300 by December 2026 through partnerships with civil society groups. Livestock Disease Planning: Stakeholders in Mbankomo validated Cameroon’s strategy to eradicate peste des petits ruminants and control other priority diseases, aiming for full eradication by 2030.

Cameroon–US Health Funding: Cameroon and the United States signed a financial framework for a major health partnership worth about $850m (CFA510bn) through 2030, with the U.S. pledging about $400m (CFA240bn) and Cameroon co-investing up to $450m (CFA270bn), aiming to strengthen primary healthcare and universal access. Food Safety Watch: A study on poultry farms in Cameroon detected six heavy metals (including lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) in chicken and egg samples from key producing regions, raising food-safety concerns even as the researchers note the sampling was limited. WHO–Cameroon Roadmap: The WHO and Cameroon unveiled a new 2025–2029 cooperation strategy, shifting toward on-the-ground action with priorities including primary healthcare, community systems, governance, emergency preparedness and health promotion. Digital Health & Youth Tech: The Cameroon International Tech Summit 2026 (Oct 15–17, Yaoundé) will focus on youth skills, startups, digital services/outsourcing and green innovation, with an AI experimentation space and job fair. Livestock Health Planning: MINEPIA convened experts to validate Cameroon’s strategy to eradicate peste des petits ruminants and control priority animal diseases by 2030, aligning national plans with regional frameworks.

Gender-Based Violence: Cameroon faces mounting outrage as reports say around 50 femicides were recorded between January and April, with totals rising to 67 (2023), 77 (2025) and nearly 10 women killed in one recent month; rights groups are pushing for stronger action after the killing of teacher Geraldine Achia, and a bill to make femicide a separate crime is expected to be considered in parliament’s November session. Primary Health Care: WHO and Cameroon unveiled a new 2025–2029 cooperation roadmap in Yaounde, shifting focus toward primary health and community systems, building on past gains including cholera vaccinations and malaria vaccine rollout in high-risk districts. Street Children Support: Cameroon launched a Yaounde campaign to extract and resocialize street children and vulnerable youth, targeting at least 300 by December 2026 through a coalition of civil society partners. Education Funding: The government plans to overhaul public education financing by scrapping the per-pupil capitation grant for a cost-based model aimed at funding real school running costs and reducing headcount fraud. Health & Wellness Campaigns: Global Liver Institute kicked off its #OctoberIs4Livers push, highlighting liver cancer risks and prevention through hepatitis control and reducing modifiable factors. Conservation & Health: Pangolin trafficking remains a major threat, with rehabilitation efforts in Cameroon described as crucial for saving the world’s most trafficked mammal.

Public Health Partnership: WHO and Cameroon unveiled a new 2025–2029 cooperation roadmap in Yaounde, shifting focus toward primary healthcare and community systems, with past wins including cholera vaccination of 2.8M people and malaria vaccine rollout in 42 high-risk districts. Gender-Based Violence & Rights: Cameroon faces rising femicides, with reports of about 50 killings between January and April and calls for stronger action; SOGOC also urged lawmakers to pass a dedicated SRHR law to reduce unsafe abortion risks and legal uncertainty. Social Protection for Youth: Cameroon launched a Yaounde campaign to extract and resocialize street children and vulnerable youth, targeting at least 300 by December 2026 through a coalition of ministries and civil society. Energy Access & Accountability: Government received 16,000 smart electricity meters for public buildings to improve billing accuracy and transparency, with at least 10,000 planned by end-2026. Climate & Health Risks: Greenpeace Africa says Cameroon’s flood warnings must be matched with real prevention and adaptation investment after recent Douala and Limbé disasters increased displacement and disease risk.

Public Health: WHO and Cameroon unveiled a new 2025–2029 cooperation roadmap in Yaounde, shifting focus toward primary healthcare and community systems, after joint work that included cholera vaccination of 2.8 million people and malaria vaccine rollout in 42 high-risk districts. Maternal & Sexual Health: SOGOC urged lawmakers to pass a dedicated SRHR law, warning that legal gaps and fear of prosecution keep safe care out of reach, with unsafe abortion linked to major maternal deaths. Gender-Based Violence: Rights groups and opposition are pushing for action as femicide reports rise, including the killing of teacher Geraldine Achia and calls for femicide to be treated as a separate crime. Education Funding: Government plans to scrap per-pupil capitation grants for a cost-based model that targets real school running costs and aims to curb headcount fraud. Energy Access & Accountability: Cameroon received 16,000 smart meters for government sites to improve billing accuracy and control public power bills, with more installations planned by end-2026. Social Protection: Cameroon launched a Yaounde campaign to extract and resocialize street children and youth, targeting at least 300 reintegrations by December 2026. Wildlife & Health: Tikki Hywood Foundation continues pangolin rescue and rehabilitation, preparing animals for release after illegal trafficking.

Gender-Based Violence & Health: Cameroon faces a rising femicide crisis, with reports of about 50 women killed between January and April, nearly 10 deaths in August alone, and calls for stronger action as a bill to make femicide a separate crime is set for parliament’s November session. Maternal & Sexual Health Law: The Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon (SOGOC) urges lawmakers to pass a dedicated SRHR law, warning that fear and legal ambiguity around abortion access under Article 339 leave women exposed to unsafe procedures linked to preventable maternal deaths. Water, Flooding & Disease Risk: OCHA reports over 500 households affected by Douala floods (Sept 12–13), with nearly 200 displaced and sanitation problems contaminating drinking water sources, raising health risks. Public Health Systems & Prevention: Greenpeace Africa says climate warnings must be matched with real investment in prevention and adaptation after floods in Douala and Limbé, which have also been tied to increased disease threats. Hepatitis (UN Advocacy): Cameroon’s envoy at the UN pushes for renewed action on viral hepatitis, stressing screening, vaccines, treatment, and links to universal health coverage. Electricity Access & Health Costs: Government receives 16,000 smart meters to improve monitoring and curb disputes over public power bills, with wider rollout planned for 2026.

Gender-Based Violence: Cameroon faces a rising femicide crisis, with reports of about 50 women killed between January and April, up from 67 in 2023, 77 in 2025, and nearly 10 deaths in August alone—families and rights groups are demanding action as a bill to make femicide a separate crime is set for parliament’s November session. Maternal & Reproductive Health Law: The Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Cameroon (SOGOC) urged lawmakers to pass a dedicated SRHR law, warning that restrictive abortion rules and fear of prosecution leave women exposed to unsafe procedures linked to an estimated 25% of maternal deaths. Public Health & Safety After Floods: OCHA reports over 500 households affected by Douala floods, with sanitation problems and contaminated drinking water raising health risks. Health Systems & Access: Cameroon received 16,000 smart electricity meters for government sites to improve billing accuracy and monitoring—an indirect boost to service reliability. Climate-Linked Disease Risk: Greenpeace Africa says emergency relief after floods must be matched with stronger prevention and adaptation to cut recurring disease risks.

SRHR Push: SOGOC urged lawmakers to pass a dedicated Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights law, warning that fear and legal ambiguity around Articles 337–338 leave women with limited access to safe abortion even where Article 339 allows it, and noting unsafe abortions are linked to about 25% of maternal deaths. Maternal & Child Health in Focus: Cameroon’s UN General Assembly delegation also highlighted viral hepatitis as a “silent emergency,” citing 287 million people living with hepatitis B or C globally and calling for stronger prevention, screening, treatment and links to universal health coverage. Flood-Linked Health Risks: OCHA reported over 500 Douala households affected by Sept 12–13 floods, with at least 200 displaced and sanitation problems contaminating drinking water sources, raising health risks. GBV Protection Crisis: MINPROFF data put reported gender-based violence at 4,883 cases Jan–Jun 2026, with the Far North leading, driven by conflict, displacement and weakened access to health and justice services. Climate Adaptation: Greenpeace Africa called for weather warnings to be matched with real investment in prevention and adaptation after repeated floods in Douala and Limbé.