Fight against HIV/AIDS:US to help Cameroon attain triple 95 targets

By Stephen TADAHA

The United States of America has reiterated its commitment to support the Cameroonian government in the fight against HIV/AIDS and its total eradication by 2030. The commitment was re-echoed by the US Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher John Lamora on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, during an audience he was granted by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie.

During the audience, John LAMORA expressed his gratitude to the Cameroonian government and particularly the Ministry of Public Health for its leadership and support for the various actions to combat HIV/AIDS carried out on the ground through PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief), an initiative launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush to eradicate the epidemic of this disease worldwide.

He said his country is ready to adhere to the ministry’s roadmap. LAMORA also inquired about the priority needs of Cameroon in the fight to attain the three 95 objectives by 2030 (95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of people who know they are HIV status, have access to treatment, and 95% of people on treatment have an undetectable viral load).

According to the World Health Organization, Cameroon had an estimated 480 232 people living with HIV in 2022, with 9905 new cases recorded that year. Although still a major public health problem, recent encouraging progress includes a 50% decrease in HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 64 in the past 14 years, according to the most recent Demographic Health Survey 2018 (DHS). Prevalence fell from 5.4% in 2004, to 4.3% in 2011, and 2.7% in 2018.

Among the needs expressed to attain the three 95 targets are centered around strengthening the supply chain of inputs ( mainly ARV ) for the permanent availability of products and better projection; strengthening the health system for better care of HIV patients; the capacity of Community Health Workers whose importance on the ground was recognized by both parties and particularly appreciated by the diplomat and his entourage.

While awaiting reception and study for possible funding of Cameroon’s priority needs in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the United States Ambassador, before leaving, reassured that his country will continue to work, together with the Cameroonian government, for the well-being of its populations.