In Bafoussam, in the West region of Cameroon, patients with kidney failure have expressed their despair at the critical lack of resources for dialysis. A protest in front of the Bafoussam Regional Hospital highlighted a situation where 10 dialysis machines must serve nearly 300 patients, leaving them "dying slowly" in their own words.
The situation is all the more critical given that the entire West region has only one nephrologist to care for these hundreds of patients. Protesters denounce endless waits, sometimes several days or even weeks, to access life-saving treatment. This shortage of specialized medical personnel and adequate equipment endangers the lives of many Cameroonians.
"Dialysis is our life," chanted the protesters, stressing the crucial importance of this treatment for their survival. Patient families, exhausted and worried, are urging the Ministry of Public Health to intervene by providing human and material reinforcements. Access to dialysis is not a luxury, but a fundamental right to health, which seems compromised in Bafoussam.
The lack of access to dialysis care is not an isolated problem in Cameroon. Many patients, especially in rural areas, face similar difficulties, leading to a lack of treatment and, in some cases, preventable deaths. The high cost of dialysis sessions is also a major obstacle for many Cameroonians, with considerable monthly expenses for uninsured patients.
Nationwide, approximately 2.5 million people suffer from chronic kidney failure, with a prevalence rate of between 10% and 14%. The most common causes of this disease are hypertension, chronic glomerulonephritis, and diabetes. The country has a limited number of hemodialysis centers, often poorly equipped and facing supply problems.
Faced with this crisis, awareness and early detection initiatives for kidney diseases are being carried out by organizations such as the Women with Humanitarian Vision association and the Cameroonian Society of Nephrology. These actions aim to inform the public about the dangers of kidney disease and promote prevention practices.
The situation in Bafoussam highlights the major challenges facing the Cameroonian health system in managing kidney disease. Limited access to dialysis, lack of specialists, and high treatment costs are all obstacles that compromise the health and survival of many patients. Urgent action by the government and health partners is needed to improve access to care and guarantee the right to health for all. Without rapid intervention, the situation risks worsening, leading to disastrous consequences for patients and their families.
Cameroonian authorities must take concrete steps to increase the number of dialysis machines, train more nephrologists, and reduce treatment costs. The future of these patients depends on it.
