Cameroon faces significant challenges in promoting the newly introduced malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, due to high levels of vaccine hesitancy. The Expanded Program on Immunization (PEV) has implemented strategies such as social listening and community engagement to address concerns and misinformation. Despite initial resistance, there is growing acceptance in regions like the North and Centre provinces. The vaccine, recommended by the WHO, targets infants and aims to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality. However, skepticism remains, with some critics questioning its effectiveness and advocating for broader anti-malaria measures.

Anne Njom Nlend, president of the Cameroonian Association of Women Doctors, discusses the progress and setbacks in women's representation in healthcare management. Despite some advancements, significant gender disparities remain, especially in higher-level positions. She emphasizes the need for continued efforts to achieve equity, including the establishment of an observatory to monitor women's presence in healthcare programs. Njom Nlend highlights the importance of balancing personal and professional lives and calls for more training and support for women to take on leadership roles. The text critiques the Ministry of Health for its lack of gender parity and underscores the necessity of advocacy and systemic change to improve women's representation in the sector.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has suspended its activities in Cameroon's South-West region due to persistent tensions with the government, which accuses the NGO of complicity with separatist groups. This decision follows similar actions in the North-West region. Despite efforts to mediate, including a visit from MSF's director general, the situation has deteriorated, with the Ministry of Defense accusing MSF of aiding terrorists. Human rights advocate Me Agbor Balla Nkongho expressed sadness over the impact on the region, already suffering from a security crisis and a cholera outbreak.

A report by the state-owned Cameroon Water Utilities (Camwater) reveals failures in the water treatment processes at the Akomnyada station in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The report highlights inadequate use of chemicals like ferric chloride and soda 50% in the ultrafiltration process, leading to environmental pollution and potential health risks. Experts express doubts about the water quality, describing it as often muddy and colored with solid particles. The report omits details on the specific areas affected and the exact health impact, which experts criticize. Public health physician Daniel Thierry Belinga notes an increase in waterborne diseases and advises the public to purify the water before consumption. Despite significant public investment, the station has not met expected production volumes, and a third rehabilitation is considered.

Cameroon has been experiencing a seven-week shortage of the BCG tuberculosis vaccine across all ten regions, confirmed by the Expanded Program on Immunization (PEV), a public body under the Ministry of Public Health. The country faces a second stockout within a year due to a delay in receiving a shipment of 300,000 vaccine doses expected in June 2022. The PEV attributes the shortage to procurement procedures and the timing of funds availability. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the situation by extending production times for the BCG vaccine. Civil society representatives criticize the PEV for not considering disease incidence in vaccine distribution, leading to wastage and shortages. Health professionals advise ways to protect infants during the shortage. An emergency order of 300,000 doses is expected to arrive on September 15, with an additional 1.6 million doses to cover six months, including part of 2023. Long-term solutions include the suggestion to produce the BCG vaccine in Africa to prevent future shortages.

Albert ZE, a health economist, warns about the dangers of energy drinks, which are becoming increasingly popular. He highlights the high prevalence of hypertension and kidney failure in society, and criticizes the government's focus on hemodialysis rather than prevention. Energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, sugar, vitamins, and sweeteners, which can lead to side effects such as convulsions, tachycardia, hypertension, diabetes, sleep disorders, and behavioral changes. He emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption and promises to discuss the relationship between each side effect in future articles.

The investigation report into the death of Hilaire Ayissi Mengue has been delayed for over four months in the Ministry of Public Health's drawers. The report, commissioned by Minister Manaouda Malachie, aimed to determine the responsibilities behind Mengue's death at the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. Despite promises of transparency, the family suspects a cover-up to protect medical staff. The Order of Physicians of Cameroon and the Ministry are accused of withholding critical information, including the medical dossier. The family remains in mourning, unable to proceed with the burial due to the ongoing judicial inquiry.

In Cameroon, the daily average of COVID-19 deaths has quintupled, and infection rates have tripled within a week. From September 15 to 22, 2021, the country recorded 2974 new positive cases and 83 additional deaths. Dr. Phanuel Habimana of the WHO confirms the onset of the third wave, with daily cases and deaths rising significantly. The positivity rate has surged from under 2% in late July to over 8%. Despite the low vaccination coverage of 0.8%, the WHO emphasizes the need to accelerate vaccination, adhere to preventive measures, and avoid gatherings.

The Supreme Court of Cameroon's audit report reveals significant financial mismanagement and irregularities in the allocation of Covid-19 response funds by the Ministry of Public Health (Minsanté). Mediline Medical Cameroon SA, a company with no prior activity until June 2020, was awarded a near-monopoly on Covid-19 rapid test contracts, leading to substantial financial losses for the state. The report highlights overpricing, missing inventory, and budget overruns, with Mediline Medical and other companies like Accent Media Group and Yao Pharm implicated in various irregularities. The audit calls for legal action against responsible officials and further investigations.

Cameroon has been declared polio-free as of June 17, 2020, after six years without any cases of wild poliovirus. This achievement is attributed to the efforts of the Expanded Program on Immunization (PEV) and the Ministry of Public Health, with significant contributions from key figures like Pr Tetanye Ekoe and Dr Marie Kobela. Despite this success, the country must continue to strengthen vaccination coverage to maintain its polio-free status. The declaration will be officially announced following a meeting of the Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication in Africa. Current polio cases in Cameroon are limited to four districts across three regions, and ongoing efforts include risk analysis and enhanced surveillance.