Report reveals over 35,000 new HIV/AIDS infections.

The figures were made know during the first statutory meeting of the NACC which held in Yaounde recently. The session was chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie.

The session sought to shed light on both progress made and gaps that remain in the national response.

Despite the alarming number of new cases, officials noted a slight decline in the infection rate, which dropped from 2.7% in 2024 to 2.6% in 2025. 

The modest improvement, officials said, reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and testing strategies across the country. 

It was disclosed that out of more than 2.1 million people screened, 49,279 tested positive, with women aged 15 to 49 representing the most affected demographic. 

According to the NACC, 67.7% of those who tested positive were women, highlighting the gendered dimension of the epidemic.

Presenting the detailed report, the NACC Permanent Secretary, Dr Joseph Fonkam, insisted that the country has made notable strides in diagnosis and treatment. 

Among the key achievements is the implementation of the three-test diagnostic algorithm, which has improved detection in a context of relatively low prevalence. 

He equally also reported a reduction in HIV/AIDS-related mortality, attributed to expanded access to antiretroviral therapy. He noted that efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission have equally recorded progress, though challenges persist. 

Of 13,341 pregnant women who tested positive, 11,919 were placed on treatment, while over 9,600 children received Nevirapine prophylaxis. 

Officials said in terms of care, 92% of people living with HIV are currently on treatment, with 93% achieving viral suppression, a significant step toward controlling the epidemic.

Dr Fonkam stated that these gains come amid dwindling international funding. To mitigate the impact, the government has mobilised approximately 30.6 billion FCFA through a national mitigation plan aimed at sustaining essential services.

Looking ahead, the NACC officials during the meeting outlined priorities for 2026, including scaling up self-testing with support from the World Health Organisation, introducing triple therapy for prevention, and expanding the “Find Every Child” initiative. 

These measures, officials noted aim to reinforce the country’s resilience in the fight against HIV/AIDS while ensuring no population is left behind.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3780 of Tuesday May 05, 2026