Under the leadership of Cameroon's First Lady, Chantal Biya, the NGO African Synergies orchestrated a crucial meeting in Ngaoundéré, Adamaoua region, on February 25, 2026. This initiative brought together key regional stakeholders to consolidate the PETVISIDAME project, an essential program aimed at eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission and improving pediatric care.
Jean Stéphane Biatcha, Executive Secretary of African Synergies, presented a positive assessment of actions carried out from 2020 to 2025. The results are encouraging, with 98% of HIV-positive pregnant women receiving treatment and the rate of HIV transmission to infants reduced to just 0.45%. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the implemented model.
In light of this progress, the Governor of the Adamaoua region, Kildadi Taguiéké Boukar, reaffirmed the State's commitment to ensuring a transition towards local and multi-sector management of the program. Nadine Perrault, UNICEF representative, stressed the need to finalize the second phase of the program. The goal is clear: to save every newborn in Adamaoua from HIV, thus transforming a project into a true regional mission.
The Minister of Public Health, Malachie Manaouda, launched a vibrant appeal for remobilization, coordination and unity in the face of the challenges posed by the suspension of American subsidies allocated to the fight against HIV worldwide. This call echoes that launched on April 23, 2025, during the first statutory meeting of the national AIDS control committee.
2024 statistics reveal that 2 million Cameroonians tested positive for HIV, and more than 499,000 people are currently on antiretroviral treatment. Among children, approximately 12,000 know their HIV status, and nearly 11,000 are receiving antiretroviral treatment. Despite a prevalence of 2.7% in 2018, Cameroon demonstrates an unwavering determination to mobilize all forces to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Joint efforts in Cameroon are bearing fruit, with a decrease of more than 26% in new HIV infections since 2018 and a 16% decrease in AIDS-related deaths compared to 2022. In February 2026, the Minister of Public Health announced that the annual incidence of HIV is estimated at 0.15% among people aged 15–49. However, women remain the most affected, with an infection rate four times higher than that of men. The national HIV prevalence among 15-49 year olds is estimated at 2.6%, with 3.6% among women and 1.6% among men.
Chantal Biya's commitment through African Synergies, alongside other African First Ladies, has been an essential catalyst in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Her pioneering efforts have made it possible to unite actions and ideas to counter this scourge.
