Cameroon on the offensive against tropical diseases

The Ministry of Public Health and its partners have embarked on a new programme to eradicate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) from Cameroon from 2015 – 2020 after statistics indicate that 17 per cent of the Cameroonian population is affected.

It is in line with the programme that the Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda launched the second edition of the campaign for the fight against NTD's in Cameroon.

The campaign which was launched at the Government Bilingual High School Essos amongst other things, involved the de-worming of students.

On the occasion, Minister Andre Mama Fouda explained that the objective of the operation is first, to raise awareness on the transmission and prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases; second, to stop stigmatisation; and above all to encourage infected persons to seek prompt medical attention.

So far, ten neglected tropical diseases have been identified in Cameroon. Leprosy is amongst the most recurrent.