Healthcare and HIV prevention in Cameroon

Background information

Die staatlichen Gesundheitsdienste in Kamerun sind schwach ausgebaut. Ein Schwerpunkt des Projekts ist deshalb die Gesundheitsversorgung in den ländlichen Gebieten. Die PCC führt das Spital «Medical Institutions Manyemen». Dort werden Patient*innen – etwa mit Tuberkulose, zunehmend wieder Lepra und dem HI-Virus – behandelt und beraten. Aufgrund der Krisensituation in den anglophonen Regionen steigen die Infektionsraten dieser Krankheiten an. Die Zahl der HIV-Infizierten in ganz Kamerun scheint gemäss der WHO konstant und liegt bei rund 500’000 Menschen. Die PCC bietet Hilfe und Solidarität für diese Menschen an. Rechtsberatung, Fortbildung und Einkommensförderung helfen, wirtschaftliche Unabhängigkeit zu erlangen und reduzieren das Infektionsrisiko. Die Angebote der Gesundheitsarbeit richten sich auch an Binnenvertriebene. Das Trainingszentrum für Pflegepersonen soll die Qualität der Gesundheitsversorgung langfristig erhöhen.

Project goals

• Improving primary health care in rural areas
• Educating the population on health-related topics
• Contributions to the livelihood and medical treatment of people living with HIV and the fight against their discrimination and stigmatization.
• Education and training measures as well as legal counseling for people affected by HIV, especially for widows and orphans
• Reduce the number of new infections through outreach and education.
• Education and training for nurses at the Presbyterian Nursing School (PresNuS ), part of the University of Buea

Target group

The project focuses on the rural and disadvantaged population in the South West and North West Provinces. Since the escalation of the political crisis in the Anglophone regions in 2016, which has led to a significant increase in diseases such as leprosy, Manyemen Hospital has also been caring for internally displaced people. Another target group is people living with HIV. In addition, people who carry out educational work, such as healthcare staff and multipliers such as priests and teachers, receive further training. People affected by gender-based violence (GBV) can also receive help. Nursing staff have the opportunity to receive training and further education at the Presbyterian Nursing School.

Activities

• Continuous education and training of medical and technical staff
• Awareness-raising and educational work on health-related topics in all areas of church work
• Öffentlichkeits- und Advocacy-Arbeit mit dem Schwerpunkt Beendigung der Stigmatisierung von Menschen mit HIV
• Hilfe bei geschlechtsspezifischer Gewalt durch medizinische, psychosoziale und juristische Unterstützung
• HIV testing and counseling, pastoral care, free distribution of antiretroviral medications, home care, and support for support groups.
• Income-generating measures for young people and women

Project progress

The Presbyterian Nursing School (PresNuS) completed its fifth and final year in 2025 with support from Mission 21. It has developed into a strong and sustainable training center, is now affiliated with the University of Buea and is fully managed and funded by the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) - a successful transition to local ownership.

The program to combat HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) achieved a pleasing reach and impact. More than 24,000 people took part in awareness-raising measures against GBV. More than 500 people affected received direct support. Over 100,000 people were reached with information on HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), substance abuse and life skills. Collaboration with other actors in the field of GBV strengthened coordination and referral pathways. And many of those affected remain committed and continue to be active in self-help groups for people with HIV.

Junge Menschen zwischen 15 und 24 Jahren machen die am stärksten betroffene Altersgruppe der HIV-Infizierten aus. Besorgniserregend ist , dass die US-Regierung die Unterstützung durch USAID gestrichen hat, obwohl die Zahl der Menschen, die mit HIV leben, immer noch bei rund einer halben Million liegt. Es braucht dadurch mehr Unterstützung aus anderen Quellen – und diese ist dringend notwendig.

The Freemind Centre in Buea continued to provide reliable psychosocial support for internally displaced persons, single mothers and young people in 2025, offering a safe place for counseling and care on issues related to sexuality and health.

Manyemen Hospital remains an important point of contact for health services in an area characterized by conflict, insecurity and increasing poverty. The resurgence of leprosy cases underscores the increasing risks to public health and the importance of sustained support for health facilities in the midst of the affected population.