AIDS 2024-2025 Assessment: Cameroon Halves Incidence, Sees Strong Treatment Outcomes

Cameroon is reaching a pivotal moment in its decades-long battle against HIV/AIDS. New national survey data reveals significant declines in both overall HIV prevalence and annual infection rates across the country. Despite these major milestones, public health leadership cautions that sustained, highly targeted action remains crucial. As the nation continues to record an estimated 21,000 new HIV infections each year.

Epidemiological Update

The comprehensive epidemiological update was delivered by Dr. Joseph Fokam, Permanent Secretary of the National AIDS Control Committee, NACC in an interview. This was sequel to a high-level AIDS review in Yaoundé chaired by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie on July 7, 2026. Citing the findings of the 2024-2025 Cameroon Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, CAMPHIA, Dr. Fokam highlighted the progress made, the remaining structural gaps, and the strategic interventions required to end the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

Shrinking Prevalence, Incidence

The latest survey data demonstrates that Cameroon's national HIV prevention strategy is yielding measurable results. Among the sexually active population aged 15 to 49, HIV prevalence currently stands at 2.6%. This represents a clear decline from the 3.4% baseline established in the 2017–2018 CAMPHIA assessment. On the other hand, the annual rate of new HIV infections has dropped significantly from 0.24% in 2017–2018 to 0.15%, indicating a reduction of 9 percentage points in overall viral transmission nationwide, Dr Fokam disclosed.

Dr. Fokam noted that these dropping numbers confirm that Cameroon’s preventive frameworks are working, positioning the country as an early frontrunner in Central Africa toward achieving full epidemic control.

Female-Centered Response

Despite encouraging overall trends, the CAMPHIA data exposes an alarming gender imbalance in transmission dynamics, Dr Fokam cautioned. Women continue to carry a disproportionate burden of the epidemic in Cameroon. HIV prevalence among women stands at 3.6%, compared to just 1.6% among men. This translates to an approximate ratio of three women living with HIV for every one man. Women in Cameroon face a four-fold higher risk of acquiring new HIV infections compared to their male counterparts.

Health authorities attribute this vulnerability in part to biological and physiological factors. For example, the female genital tract is inherently more susceptible to viral acquisition and other sexually transmitted infections.

Expanded Prevention Strategy

To counteract this vulnerability, Dr Joseph Fokam said the Ministry of Public Health is expanding its combination prevention strategy, which combines biological, behavioral, and structural tools. By overcoming societal hesitation and increasing access to female condoms to grant women greater control over their reproductive health.

Promoting emergency antiretroviral treatments for individuals exposed to the virus through unsafe contact or sexual violence. When administered within 48 hours of exposure, PEP effectively blocks the virus from infecting human cells. And integrating free HIV testing and counseling into national events, including International Women's Day activities every March, the NACC Permanent Secretary pointed out.

Triumphs Across The Treatment Cascade

Cameroon has recorded exceptional progress across the global 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets. Which aim to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.

The milestone of achieving a 95% viral suppression rate among people on treatment is a cornerstone of Cameroon’s elimination strategy. Patients with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners - even without barrier protection - effectively breaking the chain of transmission.

Concentrating In Older Age Brackets

Furthermore, this high suppression rate has driven a demographic shift. HIV prevalence is increasingly concentrating in older age brackets. Far from indicating a surge in new infections among the elderly, this trend reflects increased life expectancy. Thanks to regular Anti-retroviral therapy ART, Cameroonians living with HIV are ageing healthily, maintaining normal lifespans, and actively contributing to the national economy.

Financial Barriers, Universal Health Coverage

A major catalyst behind these tre...