Healthcare and HIV prevention in Cameroon

Project Number: 134.1029

The health services of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), Mission 21's partner church, ensure basic medical care for the predominantly rural, disadvantaged population. The Manyemen Hospital treats people as inpatients or in mobile clinics. Due to the political crisis in the Anglophone regions, many internally displaced persons receive help there. In addition, the PCC is committed to helping people living with HIV. With the aid of courses at schools, in church congregations and generally for multipliers, "life skills" are strengthened among young people. A counseling center for questions around sexuality could be opened in Buea in 2019. Unfortunately, gender-based violence is on the rise in the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions. Here, the center provides important assistance. In 2021, a training center for the education and training of nurses was opened.

Background information

Public health services in Cameroon are underdeveloped. One of the project’s main focuses is therefore on providing health care in rural areas. The PCC runs the «Medical Institutions Manyemen» hospital. There, patients—including those with tuberculosis, leprosy (which is on the rise again), and HIV—receive treatment and counseling. Due to the crisis in the Anglophone regions, infection rates for these diseases are rising. According to the WHO, the number of people living with HIV throughout Cameroon appears to be stable at around 500,000. The PCC offers support and solidarity to these individuals. Legal counseling, training, and income-generating activities help them achieve economic independence and reduce the risk of infection. Healthcare services are also available to internally displaced persons. The training center for healthcare workers is designed to improve the quality of healthcare in the long term.

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
Public outreach and advocacy work focused on ending the stigmatization of people living with HIV
Help with gender-based violence through medical, psychosocial, and legal support
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.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 make up the age group most affected by HIV infection. It is concerning that the U.S. government has cut USAID funding, even though the number of people living with HIV still stands at around half a million. As a result, more support is needed from other sources—and it is urgently needed.

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.

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