UNAIDS says Cameroon succeeding in fight against HIV/ AIDS

By Vera Fon

The National AIDS Control Committee in Cameroon estimates that 510,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Cameroon out of which over 91,000 are said to be eligible for treatment with antiretroviral drugs.

The Executive Director of UN AIDS who doubles and Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Winnie Byanyima has appreciated efforts made by the Cameroon government to reduce new AIDS infections over the past 10 years. She was speaking during an audience with the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute as part of her five-day official visit to Cameroon.

“Cameroon has been succeeding in fighting against HIV aids for the last 10 years. Bringing down deaths, infections to more than 60 percent,” Winnie Byanyima said.

The two officials also examined efforts needed to keep the spread of HIV in Cameroon even lower.

The Executive Director stated that: “Cameroon still faces some key challenges especially on children, stopping mother to child transmission and keeping young children on treatment, just like adults are on treatment. We can support Cameroon in this,” Winnie added.

They discussed plans to boost the education of the girl child as a means of limiting new HIV infections as well as health financing to ensure affordable health coverage in the country.