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The government of Cameroon has launched a major free healthcare campaign targeting more than 500,000 residents in the South Region, as part of efforts to expand access to medical services and push forward its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme. The campaign, called Promotion Santé 2025, runs from September 2 to September 6, 2025, with activities taking place in the localities of Meyomessala and Zoétélé.
Minister of Public Health, Dr. Malachie Manaouda, announced the initiative, describing it as a bold step to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families, especially vulnerable groups who often cannot afford the cost of treatment. He explained that the campaign will offer a wide range of medical services, including free consultations, general surgeries, cataract operations, oral procedures, and disease screenings.
According to the ministry, patients will be screened for major illnesses such as HIV, hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension, which continue to affect large numbers of people across the country. By providing these services at no cost, the government aims to detect diseases early, offer treatment, and prevent serious complications that often result from late diagnosis.
One of the key highlights of the campaign is cataract surgery. Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness in Cameroon, particularly among older citizens. Many patients are unable to afford the cost of corrective surgery, which usually runs into hundreds of thousands of CFA francs. With this programme, hundreds of cataract patients are expected to regain their sight, thereby improving their quality of life and restoring their ability to work and support their families.
This is not the first time Cameroon is embarking on such a health drive. According to figures released by the Ministry of Public Health, previous editions of the campaign have already reached nearly 175,000 people directly. More than 100,000 consultations were carried out in those drives, while over 2,000 surgeries were performed. Out of these, 1,080 were cataract operations. Officials say the results so far show that the initiative is making a strong impact in bridging the gap between healthcare demand and access.
Healthcare in Cameroon is still largely financed by out-of-pocket payments, which makes it difficult for low-income families to seek medical help on time. Although the government has introduced policies to provide free or subsidised services for certain groups—such as pregnant women, children under five years old, and patients suffering from HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis—many other citizens continue to struggle with high medical costs.
Dr. Manaouda said that these special campaigns are designed to reduce those gaps. “We are bringing healthcare closer to the people, especially those in rural areas. By doing this, we are ensuring that no Cameroonian is left behind in the journey towards Universal Health Coverage,” he explained.
The campaign also ties into Cameroon’s broader UHC strategy, which is currently in its pilot phase. The long-term goal is to create an equitable healthcare system that guarantees access to quality services for all citizens, regardless of their financial status. Government officials say that expanding coverage is necessary to strengthen the country’s health system and support socio-economic growth, since healthier citizens are more productive and better able to contribute to national development.
Local leaders in Meyomessala and Zoétélé have welcomed the initiative, noting that it will ease the burden on households in the area. Rural communities often face additional challenges, such as poor infrastructure, limited access to hospitals, and long distances to clinics. For many, the arrival of medical teams under Promotion Santé 2025 is the only opportunity to receive specialized care without travelling to major cities.
Public health experts say that apart from treatment, the campaign also has a strong preventive focus. By screening thousands of people for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, the government is helping citizens to detect health risks early and adopt healthier lifestyles. Preventive care is considered cheaper and more sustainable in the long run compared to treating advanced stages of disease.
The campaign also highlights the government’s effort to work towards its health targets under international commitments such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, Goal 3 seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, with UHC as a central target.
While the initiative has been widely welcomed, health sector analysts caution that free healthcare campaigns alone cannot fully solve the problem of access. They argue that Cameroon must continue to invest in health infrastructure, increase the number of trained medical professionals, and improve the availability of essential medicines if the UHC dream is to be fully realised.
For now, thousands of people in the South Region are expected to benefit directly from this programme. If successful, the government may replicate similar health drives in other regions as part of its long-term plan to build a fair and accessible healthcare system for all Cameroonians.
