At Extraordinary AU Summit in Ghana: Cameroon drums elimination of HIV/AIDS by 2030.

Dr Manaouda who is leading Cameroon’s delegation at the high-level gathering, which seeks to accelerate Africa’s progress toward eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030, reduce preventable maternal deaths, combat communicable and non-communicable diseases, and strengthen health systems across the continent.

The summit renews the continental commitment to place health at the centre of Africa’s development agenda. 

Throughout the opening ceremony, plenary discussions, and side events, Minister Manaouda consistently promoted the view that investment in health should be regarded not as a cost, but as a strategic pillar of sustainable development.

During a session devoted to health security, prevention, preparedness, and pandemic response, Dr Manaouda presented Cameroon’s experience in building and institutionalising public health capacities.

He emphasised on the need for African countries to transform epidemiological surveillance systems, laboratory networks, emergency operations centres, specialised health personnel, and community engagement mechanisms into permanent components of national health systems rather than temporary structures activated only during crises.

The minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Cameroon in recent years. He cited continuous training in the field of epidemiology, emergency health management, and laboratory strengthening. 

The minister also pointed to ongoing evaluations of primary healthcare services and emergency preparedness mechanisms designed to enhance resilience throughout the national health system.

According to Dr Manaouda, effective preparedness for future health crises depends on sustained political commitment and adequate domestic investment.

Drawing on Cameroon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he cited the establishment of a Presidential Taskforce that coordinated national efforts and facilitated a more effective management of the crisis. 

He further highlighted the government’s efforts to increase domestic financing for essential public health programs, particularly those targeting HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Showcases orientation of health reforms 

The minister has also used the gathering to showcase Cameroon’s commitment in advancing public health across Africa by aligning its national health reforms to the African Union’s continental roadmap. 

He welcomed the opportunity offered by the African Union to reflect collectively on the future of health in Africa.

The minister emphasised that health remains “a common good, a shared responsibility, and a pillar of sustainable development”.

Dr Manaouda highlighted what he described as a clear convergence between the objectives outlined in the African Union Health Roadmap and the reforms already being implemented by Cameroon. 

He pointed to several nationally recognised initiatives that have contributed to strengthening the country’s healthcare system and improving health outcomes.

Among the flagship reforms cited by the minister were the ongoing rollout of Universal Health Coverage, UHC scheme, the implementation of the Triple Elimination strategy and the HIV-Syphilis-Hepatitis B Triple Test, and the use of tenofovir prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B. 

The minister also underlined innovations in tuberculosis diagnosis, increased domestic financing for malaria control, the institutionalisation of Maternal Death Surveillance and Response, MDSR, and enhanced preparedness for health emergencies.

He said the initiatives illustrate Cameroon’s determination to build a resilient and inclusive health system while contributing to broader continental goals.

Regarding the adoption of the Accra Declaration, a key outcome of the summit, the minister noted it was a welcome initiative which will work toward consolidating ongoing reforms. 

Dr Manaouda noted that the declaration would help strengthen advocacy for sustainable health financing, promote innovative solutions developed within African countries, and reinforce Cameroon’s role as an active partner in implementing the African Health Agenda.

He reaffirmed Cameroon’s readiness to expand its leadership in regional and continental public health initiatives while adhering to established legal and regulatory standards.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3860 of Monday July 27, 2026