National Assembly: Minister defends over 391 billion FCFA to revive healthcare in 2026.

The minister explained details of the budget which he said will be used to revive healthcare.

Dr Manaouda emphasised that the 2026 budget is not only higher than the previous year’s but is also designed to respond to gaps in financing due to  a shifting global dynamics.

According to the Minister, the reality with major donors such as the United States, US withdrawing requires that Cameroon “builds autonomy in public health interventions”. This, he stated, can only be done through local resource mobilisation.

A key component of the draft budget, he told the Committee, is the strengthening of disease prevention. Dr Manaouda disclosed that efforts will be intensified to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The national vaccination programme, he said, will be expanded in 2026 to include additional vaccines, notably a new malaria vaccine, to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality.

He also reaffirmed the upcoming resumption of nationwide campaigns for the distribution of treated mosquito nets which he said, is a critical tool for reducing the seasonal peaks of malaria transmission. 

The minister also talked of plans to reinforce epidemiological surveillance systems to better anticipate outbreaks and mitigate the growing health risks linked to climate change.

Health promotion, social determinants

In the domain of health promotion, the minister highlighted initiatives focused on nutrition, mental health, community engagement and improved living conditions.

Special emphasis, he noted, will be placed on water and food safety, which remains an urgent challenge in many communities. Strengthening these determinants, he noted, is essential for long-term public health gains.

Modernising, expanding the health system

The third strategic axis of the draft budget, he enthused, concerns the modernisation of the national health system. 

According to the minister, priority actions include: acceleration of Universal Health Coverage, UHC.

Government, he added, will also work to consolidate the Health Check programme across all ten regions; modernize technical facilities in frontline structures and resumption of works on the Bamenda and Buea Regional Hospital Centres. 

He equally briefed the Committee on plans to the revitalise the national pharmaceutical industry and support for the development of traditional medicine

The public health boss noted that, cancer care will continue to receive increased attention with treatment infrastructure and human capacity remaining priority.

Improving care, emergency response

On the clinical front, he said another focus in 2026 will be in scaling up high-impact interventions targeting maternal, neonatal, infant, and adolescent health. 

Major endemic diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and hepatitis, he added, will receive reinforced attention, alongside chronic illnesses and mental health disorders.

A major innovation for 2026, he said, is the creation of a national pre-hospital medical regulation system. 

He explained that the facility is intended to significantly improve response times and coordination during medical emergencies.

Governance, strategic governance 

On governance and strategic management, Dr Manaouda talked of measures including; strengthening the efficiency of public spending, ensuring more rational deployment of health personnel and intensifying the fight against counterfeit medicines.

He also mentioned scaling up digital health solutions and enhancing the national health information system to support evidence-based decision-making.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3643 of Tuesday December 02, 2025