Context
Cameroon's healthcare system struggles with unequal access, high financial barriers, and inadequate service quality. Many people, especially in rural areas, face difficulties in obtaining affordable healthcare. In April 2023, the Ministry of Health (MINSANTE) launched the first phase of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a programme aimed at ensuring everyone can access essential healthcare without financial hardship. The project supports this effort by helping introduce health vouchers to reduce costs and improve access to vital services.
Objective
Women in the selected project regions have improved access to sexual and reproductive health and can better exercise their rights in this area.
Approach
The project collaborates with the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and GOPA/HF consultancy firm to reduce maternal mortality in Cameroon. It focuses on:
• Introducing health vouchers to lower financial barriers and facilitate access to healthcare, in particular for pregnant women;
• Supporting the use of digital tools for transparent management of health vouchers and medicines;
• Training health staff in quality management, family planning, and the use of digital systems such as openIMIS to improve service delivery;
• Promoting self-determined family planning by raising awareness and access to modern contraceptives with community health workers;
• Advancing gender equality by engaging communities and raising awareness of social norms and attitudes;
Providing technical support and advice to the Ministry of Public Health for the introduction and management of the health voucher system.