The U.S. government, through the U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator Dr. David Walton, has launched an FCFA 18 billion project aimed at fighting malaria in the Far North Region of Cameroon.
The project, known as the System to End the Malaria Burden Through Meaningful Engagement (SEMBE I) project, was launched in Yaounde on March 13.
Dr. David Walton was accompanied by Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon Minister of Public Health, President of the Far North Regional Council, Daniel Kalbassou, Dr. Hamadou Bava, Regional Delegate for Health, the Board Chair of the Association Camerounaise pour le Marketing Social (ACMS), Dr. Francoise Nissack, as well as malaria partners and local Cameroonian health sector associations.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Walton stressed the U.S. government’s commitment to transferring greater leadership, decision-making, and implementation of malaria programming from international institutions to local Cameroonian partners.
He stated, “Understanding that local communities know best the challenges they face fighting malaria and what they need to beat the disease, we aim for PMI programs to be guided by Cameroonian organizations and rooted in local priorities. We firmly believe that providing direct funding to local organizations will contribute to more sustainable, effective, and equitable malaria services and stronger health systems in Cameroon.”
SEMBE I is a five-year project amounting to CFA 18 billion (USD $30 million) subject to the availability of funds by the U.S. government that will be implemented by the ACMS. This is the first malaria project led by a local Cameroonian association that the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) has awarded.
Malaria is the most widespread endemic disease in Cameroon, responsible for over two million reported cases annually and causing substantial absenteeism from school and work. The Far North Region is one of Cameroon’s most populous, with over four million people representing 18 percent of the country’s total population.
Malaria transmission in this region is seasonal, with the highest incidence recorded during the rainy season. The populations most vulnerable to malaria are pregnant women and young children. In 2022, malaria prevalence in children 6-59 months was 27 percent.
The U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative is dedicated to working with the Ministry of Public Health to promote local solutions to fight malaria in Cameroon. The U.S. government remains committed to its collaboration with Cameroon to improve health outcomes for the people. For more information on USAID’s activities in Cameroon.
PMI is led by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented together with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The SEMBE I project seeks to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality by strengthening the capacity of the National Malaria Control Program and other local entities to lead the prevention, control, and elimination of malaria in the Far North Region of Cameroon.
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