Malaria Treatment for Patients in Cameroon: Free or Cost?

Diseases such as Malaria are a public health problem in Cameroon and other African countries [1]. We all know that pregnant women and children under five are the most vulnerable population. Due to immunity still developing in children under five, they are at a higher risk [1]. The Cameroon government is committed to preventing and controlling malaria and had introduced a free malaria treatment policy for pregnant women from four months and children under five [1].

According to the press release from the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, as one of its measures to fight against malaria, the Cameroon government instituted in 2005 a free Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPT) against malaria [2]. And for children under five, the free treatment of simple or severe malaria was instituted in 2011 and 2014 [2].

Some individuals do not like to abide by laws or measures. While this free malaria treatment policy was good on paper, the reality was that not all health facilities complied. It has been brought to the Cameroon government’s attention that some health facilities have not been compliant with the free malaria treatment policy for pregnant women and children under five [2]. The public is informed to be attentive and call the toll-free number 1506 or 6 94 67 15 62 if they experience any non-compliance [2].

Most of you might be surprised by this information. Trust me, as I found out last year that malaria treatment was free for pregnant women and children under five, I was in disbelief. I cannot count the times I paid for malaria treatments for my daughter, who was under five when she fell ill. When I saw the press release, I was ecstatic.

However, as someone currently involved in the Regional Technical Group of the National Malaria Control Programme for the South West region and who understands how the system works, there is a lingering question. What is expected of these health facilities when stocked out of free malaria commodities? Health facilities in remote areas, particularly in the North West and South West regions with ongoing security issues, have it hard.

Eventually, my greatest wish is to see the free malaria treatment policy extended to all age groups, children, men, women, and the elderly. In the meantime, I applaud the Cameroon government for reiterating and enforcing its free malaria treatment policy for pregnant women and children under five.

But as mentioned above, a question still lingers.

References

1. Malaria. WHO | Regional Office for Africa. (2022). Retrieved 16 June 2022, from https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/malaria.

2. Cameroon MINSANTE (2022). Press Release on Free Malaria Treatment

3. Image Cred: Cameroon MINSANTE