Fight Against HIV: Gov't, Partners Source New Funding Mechanisms

As the country strives to achieve the goal of ending AIDs as a public health threat by 2030, within a context of progressively declining funding, it is urgent to plan for the sustainability of achievements in the HIV response by putting in place innovative financing mechanisms. It is within this backdrop that the Minister of Public Health, Malachie Manaouda, yesterday April 23, 2025 in Yaounde presided at the first statutory meeting of the National AIDs Control Committee (NACC). The Public Health boss used the gathering to call for total remobilisation, coordination, and united front in the face of threats due mainly to the sudden suspension of American subsidies towards the fight against HIV worldwide. The Minister saluted the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders, particularly the First Lady, Chantal Biya, Special Ambassador of UNAIDS, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her continuous support to curb the pandemic amongst young people in the country. Dr Malachie Manaouda said it was particularly important to take advantage of societal catalysts to ensure sustainability, particularly by reducing vulnerability to HIV and ensuring access to services in the decades to come. The Minister said they are already working on a mitigation plan, which is a strategy to overcome any existing financial gaps due to suspension in external funding. The mitigation plan calls for the active participation of all stakeholders, including communities, civil society, people living with HIV, and vulnerable populations, through a profound transformation of the response strategy. The plan is already being implemented at the National AIDs Control Committee. Thanks to the mitigation plan, the Minister of Public Health noted that they have been able to ensure service continuity by making sure the government covers the financial gap while making sure users receive a zero-cost health service for drugs. Resources will therefore have to be mobilized as a priority from national domestic sources that take into account public-private partnerships, without forgetting the urgen...