Littoral Region: Minister presents voucher to facilitate free access to health.

It was held Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The initiative, championed by Public Health Minister, Dr Manaouda Malachie is guided by President Paul Biya’s vision of accessible healthcare for all. 

The "Chèque Santé", it was said aims to eliminate financial barriers for expectant mothers. 

With a symbolic contribution of 6,000 CFA francs, women can now receive comprehensive maternal and neonatal care—from prenatal consultations, laboratory tests, ultrasounds, and safe delivery, including caesarean section when necessary to postnatal follow-up for six weeks.

“No woman should ever lose her life while giving life,” Dr Manaouda stressed, echoing a conviction widely upheld across the world and Cameroon still struggling to curb maternal death rates.

From pilot to nationwide coverage

First piloted in the North, East, South, and crisis-affected regions of the North West and South West, the Chèque Santé has already secured more than 56,000 safe deliveries. 

With the Littoral now covered, alongside the Centre and West Regions, the programme effectively spans all ten regions of Cameroon.

It should be noted that, the expansion comes at a critical time when the country’s maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high with over 400 deaths per 100,000 live births—well above the World Health Organisation’s 2030 target of 70.

In the Littoral Region, more than half of women still deliver at home, often without skilled medical assistance.

“Each birth deserves to be accompanied with dignity and safety, under the care of qualified professionals,” the minister underscored, noting that the initiative is a lifeline to improve both maternal and neonatal survival rates.

Moving forward, Dr Manaouda acknowledged the role of technical and financial partners—including the French Development Agency, AFD, GIZ, United Nations agencies, and civil society—in scaling up the programme. 

He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and families to encourage medicalised deliveries.

“Community health is not just an idea—it is a collective commitment we must build together,” he declared.

Trust and depoliticisation

Later in the day, the Minister addressed the press at the Regional Delegation of Public Health in Bonanjo, Douala. In his briefing, he appealed for an end to politicisation of the health sector.

“Health is a fundamental right. It should never be weaponised for partisan purposes. Every Cameroonian must be able to rely on the health system, irrespective of political opinions or affiliations,” he said.

The minister further urged journalists to act as reliable partners in conveying accurate information, highlighting their role as “agents of development” and guardians of the common good.

Turning to the public, Dr Manaouda condemned disruptive behaviour in hospitals and called for collective responsibility in restoring confidence in healthcare services.

“Trust is built. It requires joint effort—by government, health workers, the media, and users themselves,” he emphasised.

Reform in momentum

The Nkongsamba launch and the Douala press conference form part of wider health sector reforms aimed at modernising infrastructure, reducing out-of-pocket payments, and progressively rolling out Universal Health Coverage, UHC.

According to ministry figures, nearly five million Cameroonians have already enrolled in UHC, with coverage reaching 100 percent of pregnant women, 92 percent of people living with HIV, and all tuberculosis patients. 

Thousands of women have accessed safe delivery through the 'Chèque Santé. Meanwhile, millions of children have benefited from vaccination, vitamin supplementation, and free consultations.

“Universal Health Coverage is not just a reform, it is a social contract that ensures no one is left behind,” the minister concluded, pledging continued government commitment to equity and solidarity in healthcare.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3565 of Monday September 15, 2025