Towards Epidemic Control by 2030: The HIV-Free Project’s Remarkable Journey Across Cameroon
In a series of celebratory closeout and launching ceremonies, the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) has marked a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Cameroon. The HIV-Free Project, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has achieved remarkable success in advancing epidemic control across the country.
The ceremonies, which took place in the West, Northwest, and Southwest regions, dubbed Zone 1, were attended by regional health authorities, project partners, and key stakeholders. They provided an opportunity to reflect on the project’s impact and lay the foundation for the next phase of its work. This event doubled with the Strengthening Laboratory Systems project which began two years ago, 2022 and works alongside the HIV Free Project in ensuring quality and meeting international standards for HIV and Tuberculosis testing in the country.
In the West region, the Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Chinmoun Daouda expressed his satisfaction with the project’s achievements, noting that the region has attained epidemic control. He commended the collaborative efforts of all partners, including the CBCHS, PEPFAR, and the CDC, in driving this success.
The Northwest region, once known for its high HIV prevalence, has been transformed into a model of epidemic control, thanks to the HIV-Free Project. Dr. Kum Walters, the Technical Director of HIV-Free Zone 1, and Dr. Katayi Edouard presented the impressive results of the project’s work over the past five years. Key achievements include a significant drop in new HIV cases and HIV-related deaths, increased viral load suppression rates, and reduced mother-to-child transmission.
The Southwest region, which has been a focus of the HIV-Free Project for over eight years, has also seen remarkable progress. The Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Eko Eko Philbert, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of continued PEPFAR support and the CDC’s technical assistance in reducing the region’s HIV burden.
Throughout the ceremonies, the CBCHS was recognized for its long-standing commitment to combating HIV/AIDS in Cameroon. The organization’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in driving the project’s success, which has been further bolstered by the collaboration of regional health authorities and other key partners.
As the HIV-Free Project enters its new phase, spanning from 2024 to 2029, the stakeholders expressed their enthusiasm for the continued efforts to achieve epidemic control by 2030. The project’s comprehensive approach, which focuses on strengthening health systems, optimizing service delivery, and fostering innovative and sustainable health initiatives, is poised to build upon the remarkable progress made during the previous phase.
The HIV Free Project’s legacy extends beyond its tangible achievements in terms of reducing HIV prevalence. The project has also strengthened the capacity of the Cameroonian health system to respond to public health emergencies, especially participating in fostering the national Universal Health Coverage policy and combatting Tuberculosis. The project has also fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation among stakeholders.
As the country moves forward in its efforts to eliminate HIV, the lessons learned from the HIV Free Project will continue to inform policy and practice. As the HIV-Free Project embarks on its next chapter, the people of Cameroon can look forward to a future where the devastating impact of the epidemic is a distant memory, thanks to the tireless work of the CBC Health Services and its partners.
