Cameroon: A resolutely social mandate, as President Paul Biya commits 391 billion to revolutionise the health sector
Cameroon has just taken a decisive step in fulfilling a major promise of President Paul Biya for his new term: to make social welfare the backbone of government action. The announcement of a colossal investment of 391 billion CFA francs for the modernization of public health is its clearest proof. This allocation, far more than a simple budget line, symbolizes the political will to place the well-being of Cameroonians at the heart of national priorities.
This massive funding aims to bring about a deep transformation of a vital sector. The goal is to address structural gaps and offer every citizen, from the most connected city to the most remote village, access to quality care.
It is an ambitious vision that reflects the Head of State’s determination to leave an indelible social mark on this seven-year term.
The projects involve the rehabilitation and equipment of regional and district hospitals, the construction of new integrated health centers, and the strengthening of community-based medicine.
For President Biya, whose latest electoral program focused on the social struggle, this initiative constitutes the first major act. Modernizing public health means tackling the daily concerns of families head-on.
It means reducing the distance to access a doctor, lessening the financial burden of care through high-performance equipment available nationally, and fighting infant and maternal mortality. In short, it means investing in human capital, the nation’s most precious asset.
The expected impacts are manifold. Beyond infrastructure, this investment is set to catalyze the training of healthcare personnel, the regular supply of essential medicines, and the deployment of medical technologies. It also strengthens the country’s resilience in the face of health crises, as recently demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Robust public health is the foundation of a fairer, more productive, and more stable society.
By committing nearly 400 billion to this priority undertaking, President Paul Biya sends an unambiguous signal for a mandate defined by listening and responding to the concrete needs of the population.
This flagship health modernization project embodies the realization of this commitment toward a Cameroon where economic progress and social progress go hand in hand.
The road is long, but this monumental first step outlines the contours of the social legacy intended by the President of the Republic making health an effective right for all and the pillar of tomorrow’s Cameroon.
Baba GADO
