At audience with health minister: GAVI congratulates gov't for improving vaccination coverage.

It was chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, on Friday, September 5, in Yaounde.

According to a report presented by the GAVI Secretariat, Cameroon has demonstrated significant progress in key areas of immunisation. It cited improved traceability of financial flows, enhanced use of data collection and analysis through dashboards, and better accountability mechanisms to support decision-making.

The mid-year performance review of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, EPI, during the meeting, revealed encouraging results. 

According to reports from officials within the EPI, vaccination coverage has expanded nationwide, with stability recorded in the epidemiological trends of measles and polio. This, the official said, should be congratulated with the introduction of the fourth dose of the malaria vaccine.

According to EPI officials, the country’s vaccine stock situation remains largely stable, although the report warned of looming risks of shortages in certain areas. Officials assured that proactive measures are being taken to avert any interruptions in supply.

Looking ahead, the EPI, officials disclosed plans to intensify efforts with a three-round polio vaccination campaign scheduled to take place before the end of 2025. 

The Ministry of Public Health will also be submitting fresh applications for GAVI grants to support a range of immunisation activities, ensuring continued progress. Despite the achievements, they regretted that the question of financing remains a major challenge. 

Discussions during the session stressed on the importance of co-financing commitments, with stakeholders, government, partners, and civil society pledging to play their respective roles to sustain gains made in vaccination coverage.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was the formal adoption of the CCIA’s rules of procedure. This development is expected to streamline the body’s mission of defining strategic guidelines and objectives for the EPI, while reinforcing coordination among the different partners involved.

For the minister, GAVI’s recognition serves as both a validation of efforts made and a reminder of the shared responsibility in maintaining and improving immunisation standards.

Minister Manaouda, during the meeting, stated that with renewed commitments and ongoing campaigns, the country’s health system remains optimistic about consolidating progress in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, safeguarding children, and strengthening public health resilience.

The session brought together technical and financial partners, civil society organisations, and representatives from various sectors, all of whom expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3561 of Thursday September 11, 2025