AGP Executive Report

Malaria at Work: A new survey by the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA) finds 62% of workers across 10 West African countries, including Cameroon, get no workplace malaria prevention support, with most rating employer commitment as “fair” or “poor.” Health Systems & Local Pharma: Cameroon’s Public Health Minister Dr. Manaouda Malachie says local drug manufacturing has grown since 2020 (from 7 to 19 units; 239 approved products) but still covers only about 15% of essential medicines and under 5% of national demand, citing capital limits, energy shortages, raw material issues, import competition, and delayed procurement payments. TB Diagnostics Leap: A report highlights a new, affordable molecular TB test (US$2.6) using tongue swabs to expand access in primary care and help replace slower, less sensitive methods. Women’s Health Research: A Cameroon pilot study examines sociocultural and structural determinants affecting sexual and reproductive health among female sex workers. Road Safety: A commentary flags ongoing highway deaths in Cameroon, calling for stronger enforcement and safety monitoring.

Pharmaceutical Capacity: Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health Dr. Manaouda Malachie says local pharma production has grown since 2020 (from 7 to 19 manufacturing units; 239 approved products), but locally made medicines still cover only about 15% of the National Essential Medicines List and meet less than 5% of national demand—citing capital limits, energy shortages, raw material sourcing, import competition, and delayed public procurement payments. TB Diagnostics: A new, low-cost molecular TB test (US$2.6) is set to expand access, including in primary care and via tongue swabs when sputum isn’t possible—aiming to replace slower, less sensitive methods and close major gaps in TB detection. Road Safety: Cameroon reports renewed scrutiny after deadly highway crashes, with transport authorities suspending operators and imposing penalties over unsafe practices and missing safety controls. Health Security & Systems: Cameroon participates in WHO regional dialogue in Addis Ababa focused on strengthening regulatory systems and boosting local manufacturing to support health security and Universal Health Coverage. Humanitarian Health: UN marks World Humanitarian Day with a sports walk in Cameroon, urging stronger protection for civilians and frontline health workers.

Pharmaceuticals & Health Security: Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, says local drug manufacturing is growing but still covers only about 15% of items on the National Essential Medicines List and less than 5% of national demand, citing capital limits, energy shortages, raw material sourcing, import competition, and delayed public procurement payments; he shared these priorities at the WHO Regional Committee for Africa high-level dialogue in Addis Ababa. TB Diagnostics: A new, affordable molecular TB testing approach is expanding access in high-burden settings, including options like tongue swabs for people who can’t provide sputum—aimed at replacing slower, less sensitive methods and closing major detection gaps. Road Safety & Public Health: Cameroon’s transport authorities suspended a Douala-Bafoussam-Yaounde road transport agency after a deadly highway crash, citing speed, drowsiness, and lack of safety equipment, while critics argue governance and corruption failures keep the “triangle of death” deadly. Maternal & Indigenous Care: In Cameroon, indigenous midwives and Mbororo women shared traditional pre-natal, post-natal and neonatal practices under a 2026 event theme focused on safeguarding life and wellbeing. Humanitarian Health: World Humanitarian Day activities in Cameroon highlighted the need to protect civilians and frontline health workers, with WHO and partners joining a sports walk to promote wellbeing and solidarity.

Ebola Response: Pope Leo XIV urged stronger, coordinated action to contain the DRC’s worsening Ebola outbreak, calling for local community involvement alongside international support. Humanitarian Protection: On World Humanitarian Day, the UN highlighted the need to protect civilians and humanitarian workers, with a sports walk in Cameroon bringing together WHO, WFP, Cameroon Red Cross and partners. Indigenous Maternal Care: In Bantoum I, IPSD-Cameroon marked 2026 World Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a focus on indigenous midwives, sharing community practices on prenatal, postnatal and neonatal care plus nutrition. Health Funding & Systems: A UN-backed push for better health services also surfaced in regional commitments, including Coris Bank’s $712m plan to build hospitals and schools in Burkina Faso. Governance & Health Access: A regional workshop in Yaounde on forest conversion stressed sustainable management and traditional knowledge—linked to long-term wellbeing and environmental health. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Campaigners renewed calls to free Cameroonian mother Pauline Binam amid concerns over non-consensual medical procedures and conditions in a Georgia detention center.

Ebola Watch: Pope Leo XIV urged stronger, coordinated international action to contain the rising Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, stressing the need to involve affected communities and noting weak health systems in hard-hit north and east areas. Public Health & Safety: The Pope also expressed solidarity with victims of a deadly Central African Republic gold mine landslide near the Cameroon border, calling for safer and lawful mining sites. Health Governance: A new Global Terrorism Index 2026 report says West Africa’s terrorism crisis is fundamentally a governance crisis, pointing to state fragility and institutional weakness that worsen insecurity and strain public services. Cameroon Health & Society: Cameroon’s prolonged political leadership absence has reignited debate over governance and public communication, with opposition critics linking distance from citizens to wider system weaknesses. Humanitarian Protection: UN-linked World Humanitarian Day activities in Cameroon highlighted the need to protect civilians and frontline workers, including WHO and Cameroon Red Cross participation. Local Maternal Care: Indigenous midwives in Cameroon were celebrated in a GEF-supported event focused on safeguarding life and wellbeing, with community sharing on prenatal, postnatal and neonatal care.

Indigenous Midwifery & Maternal Health: In Bantoum I village, IPSD-Cameroon (with GEF Small Grants support) marked World Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 under “Honouring indigenous midwives: Safeguarding life and wellbeing,” with Mbororo women sharing indigenous birth, pre-natal, post-natal and neonatal care practices and nutrition guidance. Humanitarian Worker Wellbeing: The UN says 2026 World Humanitarian Day (Aug. 19) spotlights “strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities,” after a Cameroon sports walk led by Plan International brought together WHO, WFP, Cameroon Red Cross and civil society to promote physical wellbeing for frontline workers and reinforce protection of civilians. Health Governance & Rumours: In Yaounde, debate around President Paul Biya’s prolonged absence has shifted toward age and governance, with opposition voices linking the lack of communication to a “culture of silence,” while officials maintain he is still in office. Cross-Border Health Risk (Mining): A deadly artisanal gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic near the Cameroon border has killed over 100 people (death toll disputed), prompting authorities to suspend operations and investigate safety gaps in low-tech mining.

Health & Wellbeing Leadership: LEAP Africa says 4,500 women from 48 African countries (plus 12 others) joined its 5th cohort leadership programme, with 1,500 completing the online phase and 31 selected for a Nairobi boot camp—highlighting a growing focus on ethical leadership, employability and health and wellbeing. Health Systems & Care Access: A Somali case report on tetralogy of Fallot warns that in low-resource settings, cyanotic congenital heart disease can be missed because routine newborn pulse oximetry and antenatal ultrasound screening are often unavailable. Food Security & Nutrition: Cameroon allocated CFAF 12.5 billion in 2026 to livestock and fisheries under its import-substitution plan, aiming to boost local milk and fish production and reduce reliance on imports. Governance & Public Trust: Opposition figures say President Paul Biya’s long absence has exposed a “culture of silence,” raising questions that also affect public confidence in how health and other services are run.

Health & Governance: Cameroon’s President Paul Biya returned to Yaoundé after a record 10-week absence in Europe, ending weeks of health speculation and renewed questions about who was running the country while he was away. Public Health & Food Security: Cameroon allocated CFAF 12.5 billion in 2026 to boost livestock and fisheries under its import-substitution plan, aiming to cut reliance on imported milk and fish through expanded credit for producers. Workplace Safety & Community Health: A deadly landslide at an artisanal gold mine in the Central African Republic near the Cameroon border killed at least 49 people officially (with local and Red Cross reports putting the toll above 100), prompting a temporary closure and a judicial investigation—highlighting ongoing risks from low-safety informal mining. Human Rights & Care Access: Reports describe a Cameroonian woman among migrants who resisted US deportation plans and were flown to Equatorial Guinea, raising concerns about protection and access to medical care during detention and forced transfers. Sports & Wellness (Cameroon link): Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba agreed a deal with Manchester United (reported £65m plus up to £5m), with a medical planned after an ankle injury—another spotlight on Cameroonian talent abroad.

Health Policy & Nutrition: Cameroon has earmarked CFAF12.5 billion for 2026 to cut milk and fish imports under its agropastoral and fisheries import-substitution plan, with new financing aimed at improving producers’ access to credit. Public Health Funding: The EU has released €2.3m to curb cholera outbreaks across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic, with Nigeria receiving €1.5m. Maternal & Community Wellness: A Yaoundé hospital director unveiled a magazine documenting reforms and innovations to improve governance and patient care, while a separate wellness story highlights mother-friendly gym models that support exercise alongside childcare. Safety & Emergency Health: A deadly landslide at the Zamboye artisanal gold mine in the Central African Republic—near Cameroon’s border—has killed dozens (officially 49, with locals saying around 100), prompting a temporary closure and a judicial investigation; rescue teams report limited equipment and expertise. Governance & Health Speculation: Cameroon’s President Paul Biya returned to Yaoundé after a record 10-week absence in Switzerland, ending weeks of health and succession speculation. Migration & Rights: Reports say some U.S. deportees resisted transfer to Liberia and were instead flown to Equatorial Guinea, underscoring ongoing legal and humanitarian concerns around third-country deportations.

Mining Safety in Focus: The Central African Republic has temporarily shut the Zamboye artisanal gold mine near the Cameroon border after a landslide buried miners, with the official toll at 49 but local sources warning it could be around 100 as many remain missing; seven injured people were taken to Baboua hospital and rescue work has been hampered by limited equipment and expertise, prompting calls for stronger safety and accountability. Leadership & Health Concerns: Cameroon’s President Paul Biya returned to Yaoundé after a 73-day absence abroad, ending weeks of speculation about his health and who was running the country while governance was described as “autopilot” by critics. Hospital Governance: Yaoundé’s Y’de Central Hospital director unveiled a new magazine, “Le Bulletin Santé Messa,” to document reforms, improve accountability, and share lessons from changes in patient care and hospital operations. Humanitarian Protection: On World Humanitarian Day, stakeholders in Yaoundé urged better localization of aid and stronger protection for aid workers and civilians, noting Cameroon’s humanitarian response remains underfunded. Maternal-Friendly Fitness: A women-only gym model in Ethiopia highlights mother-friendly design—children’s rooms and space for breastfeeding—showing how safer, more inclusive wellness access can boost participation.

Leadership & Health Concerns: Cameroon’s 93-year-old President Paul Biya returned to Yaoundé from Geneva after a 73-day absence, landing at Nsimalen and heading to Etoudi Unity Palace—an extended trip that has reignited public worries about his health and who is effectively running the country while succession questions linger. Food Security & Hunger: Reports warn Cameroon’s food crisis is deepening, with millions unable to afford enough food and children and pregnant women facing rising malnutrition risk. Disaster Response (Cross-border): A deadly artisanal gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic near the Cameroon border (Zamboye) has killed more than 100 people, with many still missing; Cameroon says it is ready to receive and treat injured victims as rescue teams continue under difficult conditions. Community Health in Conflict Zones: In Cameroon’s Northwest, Holy Union Sisters keep running St. Monica Catholic Medical Center in Baba 1 despite insecurity, poverty, and staff shortages—highlighting how fragile access to care remains. Health Policy & Inclusion: A Yaoundé session on the 2026 Finance Law focused on tax and customs support for people with disabilities, amid calls to improve access to healthcare and public services for the 3.4 million living with disabilities. Women & Girls in Emergencies: On World Humanitarian Day, coverage highlights how humanitarian groups across West and Central Africa are prioritizing protection and services for women and girls amid conflict and displacement.

Mining Disaster (CAR–Cameroon border): A deadly landslide hit the Zamboye artisanal gold mine in western Central African Republic near Cameroon on Tuesday, killing at least 100 people as rescue teams continue searching for more victims; local prosecutors say underground tunnel collapses likely triggered the tragedy, and survivors were taken for medical care in Baboua, with reports that at least four victims were Cameroonian nationals. Cholera Response (Cameroon): The European Commission approved €2.3m emergency funding to curb cholera outbreaks across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and CAR, with Cameroon receiving €100,000 for outbreak containment, case management, essential medicines, cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points, plus support for surveillance and community sensitisation. Public Health Systems (NCDs & UHC): Health leaders meeting in Accra urged African countries—including Cameroon—to integrate noncommunicable disease services, essential medicines and diagnostics into Universal Health Coverage reforms, noting NCDs now drive over 37% of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Governance & Health Access (Yaoundé waste): In Yaoundé VI, the mayor deployed heavy machinery to clear an illegal dump site in Simbock, aiming to reduce pollution and health risks for residents and commuters. Health Governance (Biya legal challenge): A legal petition challenges Cameroon President Paul Biya’s eligibility for an eighth term, citing age and health concerns as the Constitutional Council prepares a ruling.

Cholera Response: The European Commission approved €2.3m emergency humanitarian funding for cholera control across West and Central Africa, with Cameroon set to receive €100,000 for outbreak containment and case management, including extra humanitarian staff, essential medicines, cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in worst-affected villages. Maternal Health & Systems: Cameroon’s health ecosystem also gets a boost indirectly as EU and partners push faster care delivery, while a separate regional push urges African countries to plug noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) into Universal Health Coverage reforms—so chronic care, essential medicines and diagnostics don’t lag behind rising NCD deaths. Mining Safety & Community Health: On the Cameroon–CAR border, a landslide at an illegal gold mine killed at least 33 people (more feared buried), highlighting how unsafe artisanal mining keeps triggering mass-casualty emergencies that quickly overwhelm local health services. Governance & Health Concerns: A legal challenge to President Paul Biya’s bid for an eighth term is set for a Constitutional Council ruling this Friday, as public debate intensifies around health, governance and electoral integrity.

Cholera Response Funding: The EU has released €2.3 million emergency humanitarian aid to Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad to contain cholera outbreaks across West and Central Africa, citing WHO reports of 61,000+ cases in Africa in the first five months of 2026. Cameroon Health Support: Cameroon’s share is €100,000 for outbreak containment and case management, including extra humanitarian staff, essential medicines, cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in worst-hit villages. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: The package also backs WASH work—treating public water points and household supplies—plus surveillance, case management, risk communication and community sensitisation. Local Public Health Action: In Yaounde VI (Simbock), Mayor Jacques Yoki Onana deployed heavy machinery to clear an illegal dump site, aiming to reduce pollution and health risks while restoring the site and improving long-term waste control with community partners. Maternal Health Equipment: Niger’s government inaugurated N100 million worth of CEmONC equipment to strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care, targeting faster treatment of conditions like obstructed labour, sepsis and emergency Caesareans. Health Systems & Care Networks: Catholic Relief Services received $50 million from the US State Department to improve hospitals, clinics and rural health networks in Cameroon, Liberia and Nigeria.

Cholera Response: The EU has released €2.3m emergency humanitarian funding to curb cholera outbreaks across West and Central Africa, with Cameroon getting €100,000 for outbreak containment and case management, including extra humanitarian staff, essential medicines, cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in worst-hit villages. Local Outbreak Update: In northern Cameroon, health authorities report cholera spreading across districts, with more than 1,000 cases and 28 deaths since mid-July; Mora District Hospital has set up separate tents for suspected and confirmed patients, while community health workers run door-to-door hygiene awareness. Maternal Health Push: A call for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is highlighted during World Breastfeeding Week activities in Nigeria, stressing breastfeeding as a key intervention for maternal and child health. Pharmacy & Health Leadership: SAM Ohuabunwa, a pharmacist and entrepreneur, was commended for combining pharmacy practice with business and public service, with lessons for younger health professionals. Sports With Health Angle: Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses won their first-ever WAFCON title and secured a 2027 World Cup ticket after beating Malawi 3-0.

Cholera Response: The EU has released €2.3m emergency humanitarian funding to curb cholera in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad, citing WHO figures of 61,000+ cases and 1,230 deaths across Africa in the first five months of 2026. Cameroon Allocation: Cameroon receives €100,000 for outbreak containment and case management, including extra staff for partners, essential medicines, additional cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in the worst-hit villages. On-the-Ground Situation: In northern Cameroon, health authorities report cholera spreading with more than 1,000 cases and 28 deaths since mid-July; Mora District Hospital has separated suspected and confirmed patients with support from Doctors Without Borders, while community health workers push hygiene and sanitation messages ahead of the rainy season. Public Health Focus: The EU package also targets water, sanitation and hygiene, stronger surveillance, and risk communication to help stop transmission.