Overcoming the Odds: Cameroon’s Progress in the Fight Against HIV
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Nicole, a 28-year-old woman from Bertoua in eastern Cameroon, vividly remembers the day in 2019 when her world turned upside down. After feeling unwell, she went for a routine medical check-up at Batouri Catholic Hospital, never suspecting that she would receive the news that she was HIV-positive. Shocked and frozen with disbelief, Nicole wondered how this could have happened to her. But as the initial shock wore off, her doctor reassured her that there were options for treatment and support.
Encouraging Progress in the Fight Against HIV
Cameroon, like many countries, has been grappling with the HIV epidemic. In 2022, it was estimated that there were 480,232 people living with HIV in the country, with 9,905 new cases recorded that year. However, there is reason for hope. The most recent Demographic Health Survey in 2018 revealed a 50% decrease in HIV prevalence among people aged 15 to 64 over the past 14 years. Prevalence dropped from 5.4% in 2004 to 4.3% in 2011, and further down to 2.7% in 2018. Dr. Hamsatou Hadja, the permanent secretary of Cameroon’s National AIDS Control Committee, attributes this decline to a focused strategy. The country has set a national vision to end AIDS as a threat to public health by 2030, aiming to reduce new infections, deaths, and the stigma associated with HIV. This vision aligns with the global ”95-95-95″ target: 95% of people with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those aware of their status being on treatment, and 95% of those on antiretrovirals having a suppressed viral load. As of 2022, Cameroon has achieved rates of 95.8%, 92.3%, and 89.2% respectively.
Support from the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been a key partner in Cameroon’s efforts to combat HIV. WHO has provided support through training health workers and expanding access to HIV services. In 2022, WHO deployed HIV experts to 36 health facilities in 14 health districts, training around 200 health workers on various aspects of HIV care. Additionally, over 20,000 people were screened for HIV, and those who tested positive were promptly put on treatment.
Empowering Healthcare Providers
The training provided by WHO has equipped healthcare providers like Sergine Nyaviene, a care assistant and psycho-social specialist at the Tigaza Catholic Health Centre, with the knowledge and confidence to provide quality HIV care. Sergine, who has been working with people living with HIV for seven years, has witnessed the positive impact of the training on both staff attitudes and patient care. The number of people receiving assistance at the centre has significantly increased, from 65 in 2020 to 158 by October 2023.
A People-Centered Approach
WHO is collaborating with Cameroon’s health authorities to develop and expand a people-centered approach to HIV services. This approach prioritizes key populations and internally displaced people (IDPs) who often face barriers in accessing adequate HIV services. In 2022, 1,183 men who have sex with men (MSM) and 1,944 female sex workers (FSW) were screened for HIV, and a significant number began treatment. Additionally, 326 IDPs were screened, and those who tested positive were promptly put on treatment.
Challenges Ahead: Stigma and Discrimination
While progress has been made, stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV remain significant challenges. Dr. Gilbert Tchatchoua, an expert from WHO’s Country Office, emphasizes the need to raise awareness in communities, helping them understand that HIV is a manageable illness that requires medical attention. He believes that involving grassroots communities is crucial to achieving the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
A Message of Hope
Fortunately, Nicole has received the support and advice she needed to navigate her HIV diagnosis. With her mother’s encouragement and guidance from healthcare professionals, she has embraced her treatment and leads a normal life as a hairdresser. Nicole is now the proud mother of three healthy children who were born HIV-free. She shares her story with friends, urging them to get tested and seek treatment if needed, emphasizing the importance of saving lives through early intervention. In the face of adversity, Cameroon is making significant strides in the fight against HIV. With continued efforts, support, and community involvement, the country is on track to achieve its vision of an AIDS-free future.
Photo: Freepik.com
