Conference abstract
Primary health care financing in Cameroon
Pan African Medical Journal - Conference Proceedings. 2024:23(8).26
Nov 2024.
doi: 10.11604/pamj-cp.2024.23.8.2774
Archived on: 26 Nov 2024
Contact the corresponding author
Keywords: Equity, resource mobilization, resource allocation, efficiency, PHC financing
Oral presentation
Primary health care financing in Cameroon
Isidore Sieleunou1,&, Kone G1, Cicely T1
1Global Financing Facility, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
&Corresponding author
Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Cameroon. However, the country faces significant challenges in adequately financing its PHC system. Insufficient public investment and heavy reliance on out-of-pocket (OOP) spending have resulted in inequitable access to health services and limited financial protection for vulnerable populations. The objective was to assess the state of PHC financing in Cameroon, focusing on resource mobilization, allocation efficiency, equity, and sustainability to guide future policy interventions.
Methods: the study draws on data from the National Health Accounts, Public Finance Reviews, Cameroon’s health expenditure reports, and global databases (WHO). The analysis assesses health expenditure trends, fiscal space, and PHC financing relative to international benchmarks. It also reviews the impact of recent health financing reforms and identifies gaps in equity and efficiency in health spending. Data from 2019-2023 is used to capture recent trends and reforms.
Results: Government health expenditure remains low at 5.2% of the total budget, far below the 15% Abuja Declaration target. Despite relative economic growth, the government’s budgetary commitment to health has steadily declined over the past decade, underscoring the consistently low prioritization of health within public expenditure. PHC financing heavily depends on OOP, which accounts for approximately 70% of total health expenditure. Although reforms like performance-based financing and vouchers have improved resource distribution, critical gaps persist, including insufficient maternal and child health funding and disparities in service provision across regions. Rural and marginalized areas face significant disparities in access to PHC services due to limited funding and weak infrastructure.
Conclusion: Cameroon’s PHC financing model needs substantial reform to meet UHC goals. Increasing domestic health funding, reducing reliance on OOP payments, and improving efficiency in resource allocation are crucial. Targeted investments in rural health infrastructure and equitable financing mechanisms will be key to improving access and service quality.
Primary health care financing in Cameroon
Isidore Sieleunou1,&, Kone G1, Cicely T1
1Global Financing Facility, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
&Corresponding author
Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Cameroon. However, the country faces significant challenges in adequately financing its PHC system. Insufficient public investment and heavy reliance on out-of-pocket (OOP) spending have resulted in inequitable access to health services and limited financial protection for vulnerable populations. The objective was to assess the state of PHC financing in Cameroon, focusing on resource mobilization, allocation efficiency, equity, and sustainability to guide future policy interventions.
Methods: the study draws on data from the National Health Accounts, Public Finance Reviews, Cameroon’s health expenditure reports, and global databases (WHO). The analysis assesses health expenditure trends, fiscal space, and PHC financing relative to international benchmarks. It also reviews the impact of recent health financing reforms and identifies gaps in equity and efficiency in health spending. Data from 2019-2023 is used to capture recent trends and reforms.
Results: Government health expenditure remains low at 5.2% of the total budget, far below the 15% Abuja Declaration target. Despite relative economic growth, the government’s budgetary commitment to health has steadily declined over the past decade, underscoring the consistently low prioritization of health within public expenditure. PHC financing heavily depends on OOP, which accounts for approximately 70% of total health expenditure. Although reforms like performance-based financing and vouchers have improved resource distribution, critical gaps persist, including insufficient maternal and child health funding and disparities in service provision across regions. Rural and marginalized areas face significant disparities in access to PHC services due to limited funding and weak infrastructure.
Conclusion: Cameroon’s PHC financing model needs substantial reform to meet UHC goals. Increasing domestic health funding, reducing reliance on OOP payments, and improving efficiency in resource allocation are crucial. Targeted investments in rural health infrastructure and equitable financing mechanisms will be key to improving access and service quality.
