Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)'s 2025 review reveals persistent health pressures in Cameroon's Far North and Central regions. During a press conference in Yaoundé on February 26, 2026, the head of MSF's mission in Cameroon, Dr. Karsou Maman, presented the interventions carried out in 2025, emphasizing that humanitarian needs remain considerable despite the efforts made.
In the Far North, a region weakened by insecurity related to the Lake Chad Basin and population displacements, MSF has maintained its support for the health system. MSF teams conducted 48,604 outpatient consultations and 1,757 surgical interventions in 2025, illustrating the high demand for care. Emergency services recorded 1,078 admissions. Malaria remains the leading cause of consultation, with 24,949 patients treated. The organization also strengthened sexual and reproductive health services, with 17,332 consultations, in a context where access to maternal care remains limited. The psychological consequences of the conflict are also notable, with 1,884 individual mental health consultations. In addition, 2,269 children suffering from severe malnutrition received specialized care.
Beyond curative care, MSF has intensified its prevention efforts, educating 1,217,521 people on hygiene, community health, and disease prevention. In the health districts of Mora and Kolofata, MSF teams support health facilities during peak periods, ensuring free, quality care.
In the Central region, MSF's intervention focuses on combating cholera in the Djongolo health district. This action includes improving access to drinking water, chlorination, promoting good hygiene practices, rapid diagnosis and treatment of cases, and an epidemiological surveillance system.
After a decade of presence in the Far North, MSF reiterates its commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health to consolidate the health resilience of vulnerable areas. Dr. Karsou Maman emphasized that persistent insecurity and the scale of needs exceed current intervention capacities. For 2026, the goal is to improve access to primary care, strengthen the response to epidemic emergencies, and maintain free services for the most vulnerable populations. Humanitarian needs in Cameroon are expected to persist in 2026, affecting nearly 2.9 million people.
