An Overview of the Covid-19 Crisis Management in Cameroon: Decentralised Governance Response Needed

Abstract


 This article provides insights into Cameroon’s crisis management of the coronavirus pandemic via an exploratory and descriptive qualitative research. Thematic analysis of data was done using a framework approach; the Comprehensive Pandemic Risk Management System (CPRMS) underpins the research and provided structure, order, and clarity to the article. From the findings, one can deduce that the government is working hard to mitigate the potentially awful consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The authorities implemented temporary containment and infection control measures to stem virus spread and have relied heavily on international and humanitarian organisations for financial/technical help to operationalise the pandemic response. Attempts to control the spread of the virus, however, have been challenging. Deficiencies abound in many areas including slowness to institute containment measures after the first infected cases; Cameroon’s fragile/weak health infrastructure; insufficient critical care units and health workers disproportionately distributed in the country; safety concerns with insufficient protective equipment for health workers; overly centralised pandemic response at the national level to the detriment of the regions and lower administrative units; government politicising the response by refusing contributions/donations from opposition parties; high cost for COVID-19 treatment limiting access to healthcare and insufficient trust in health systems ability to deal with COVID-19. Recommendations are supplied on how to improve the coronavirus response as infections skyrocket. The recommendations also address enhancing later epidemics/pandemics and Cameroon’s health system.

A Concise Appraisal of Cameroon’s Hazard Risk Profile: Multi-Hazard Inventories, Causes, Consequences and Implications for Disaster Management

“…The provision of regular clean portable drinking water to many local communities and well-equipped health centers and clinics would be helpful to curb these health risks. For instance, COVID-19 exposed the fragile state of Cameroon's health system and the country's low resilience to the pandemic [18] with related governance issues in the management of the crisis [119]. Being proactive in sustaining the health care system is critical in tackling these hazards including unprecedented pandemics like COVID-19.…”

Perceptions around COVID-19 among patients and community members in urban areas in Cameroon: A qualitative perspective

“…Another study conducted in 2020 revealed a high score of knowledge among Cameroonians, but the attitudes and practice scores were lower [15]. From this limited literature, researchers have highlighted a need for additional education surrounding COVID-19, particularly on modes of transmission, control, and prevention [16,17]. However, exploring how COVID-19 is perceived and experienced by members of the community in Cameroon can better explain the relationship between knowledge and, attitudes and practice.…”

Et ensuite ? Leçons sur la reprise de l’éducation

“…serait décentralisée vers les régions et les échelons locaux(Bang 2020). En fonction de leurs capacités techniques, les écoles et les enseignants ont été encouragés à mettre en oeuvre des solutions parallèles aux programmes de télévision éducative mandatés par le gouvernement central, ce qui a conduit à la prolifération de discussions de groupe WhatsApp, de comptes Google classroom et d'applications de tutorat en ligne (Beche 2020).…”