Gov’t launches digital health strategic plan.

The event was presided by the Inspector General of Administrative Services at the Ministry, Boukar Oumate, who represented the Minister of Public Health. 

The new strategic plan, the official said, outlines government’s ambition to integrate digital technologies into healthcare delivery in order to improve efficiency, access to services and data management across the country.

The minister’s representative recalled that the evaluation of the previous 2020-2024 National Digital Health Strategic Plan conducted in 2025 revealed encouraging progress. 

Boukar noted that significant improvements were recorded in governance structures, the establishment of national digital health architecture, and the deployment of tools for the National Health Information System and the strengthening of the capacities of health professionals in the use of digital solutions.

Authorities acknowledged that despite the progress challenges remain. The maturity level of Cameroon’s digital health system currently stands at 1.8 out of 5 officials underscored, adding that, it is an indication that further institutional, legal and financial reforms are required to fully harness the potential of digital technologies in healthcare.

The strategy, we gathered, is built on a clear vision; to equip Cameroon with a digital health ecosystem that is integrated, interoperable, secure and inclusive by 2030.

The plan officials explained, also emphasises the protection and sovereignty of national health data while placing patients at the centre of healthcare services.

To achieve set objectives, the strategy, officials said, is structured around eight key priority axes. 

They mentioned strengthening governance and leadership, developing an appropriate legislative framework, building human resource capacities, improving digital infrastructure, ensuring interoperability between health systems and promoting innovation in the health sector.

Authorities revealed that the plan will require an estimated 29.007 billion FCFA over five years. Health officials believe the investment will significantly improve access to quality healthcare, reduce waiting times for treatment, enhance traceability and transparency in medical services, and reinforce the country’s ability to respond effectively to health emergencies.

Implementation of the plan, resource persons, said, will involve a multi-sectoral approach bringing together various stakeholders, including government institutions responsible for digital development, technical and financial partners, the private sector, civil society organizations and academic institutions.

Through the initiative, the country, officials said, seeks to position digital health as a key pillar in achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening national sovereignty in the management of health data. Authorities called for collective commitment from all actors to ensure the success of the strategic plan over the next five years.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3726 of Monday March 09, 2026