Management of Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon

Abstract

Universal Health Coverage, (UHC), has proven to be an undeniable political and very ambitious health agenda aimed at ensuring that everyone has access to basic quality health care services irrespective of their socio-economic status and geographical location. The UHC concept is of upmost importance in Cameroon considering the very high levels of out-of-pocket health expenditures and fragile health systems. Achieving UHC in Cameroon will not only increase the life expectancy of Cameroonians but it will also increase the economic output of the country. Although Cameroon has set in place targets and agendas aimed at providing UHC to her citizens, they're far from being implemented. With the country having a huge pool of informal workers coupled with the high level of mistrust citizens have for the governments Community-based health insurance, (CBHI), the concept of UHC in Cameroon remains more of a theoretical than practical phenomena. To cost effectively achieve UHC; aside increasing trained health care professionals, intersectoral collaboration between government authorities, civil society organizations like non-governmental organizations, community health workers, religious and cultural stakeholders should be prioritized.

Global pediatric anesthesia–Anglophone West Africa perspective

“…One of the main reasons is financial constraints with 77% of total health expenditure (frequently including surgical and anesthesia service) being out-of-pocket in Nigeria and Cameroon. 21,22 This is an added financial burden especially on those who live in extreme poverty (<USD1.9/day) (Table 1). 100% protection from impoverishing or catastrophic expenditure by 2030 will be difficult to attain in our region.…”

“…Access to safe, timely, and affordable essential surgery, one of the indicators of Universal Health Coverage, is unmet in anglo West Africa. One of the main reasons is financial constraints with 77% of total health expenditure (frequently including surgical and anesthesia service) being out‐of‐pocket in Nigeria and Cameroon 21,22 . This is an added financial burden especially on those who live in extreme poverty (<USD1.9/day) (Table 1).…”