While the country is exceeding global targets for treatment initiation (96.4%) and viral suppression (95.0%), testing (77.1%) remains the major challenge in eliminating the epidemic. The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, presided over the official launch ceremony of the results of the second National HIV Impact Assessment Survey in Cameroon (CAMPHIA 2024-2025) on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Yaoundé. Supported by the US government throughPEPFAR, this large-scale study provides a precise map of the epidemic and highlights both historic progress and ongoing challenges.
The main finding of this survey, conducted between September 2024 and January 2025 among 15,000 households and 27,000 adults, is the continued decline in transmission. The national HIV prevalence rate is now estimated at 3.0% among people aged 15 and over. This rate represents approximately 501,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country. Another encouraging indicator is the annual incidence rate of 0.13%, which corresponds to nearly 21,000 new infections per year. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of public prevention and care policies, particularly strengthened by the free HIV-related services implemented since 2020 under the strong leadership of President Paul Biya.
The global « 95-95-95 » target within reach
The CAMPHIA 2024-2025 survey also assessed Cameroon’s performance in relation to UNAIDS’ « 95-95-95 » targets. While the country excels in the latter two areas, the first remains the main bottleneck in the response. Indeed, only 77.1% of people living with HIV currently know their serological status. Initial screening therefore remains the weakest link in the chain, prompting the government to intensify its screening strategies, particularly among men, adolescents, young adults, and hard-to-reach populations.
On the other hand, once a diagnosis is made, the Cameroonian healthcare system proves exceptionally effective: 96.4% of people informed of their HIV-positive status receive antiretroviral treatment (exceeding 95%). Even more impressively, 95.0% of patients on treatment have achieved viral suppression. This major clinical success not only improves patients’ health and longevity but also neutralizes the risk of viral transmission.
A lasting legacy for the healthcare system
Beyond the valuable statistics, Dr. Manaouda Malachie praised the significant structural gains of this operation. The survey led to the creation of a robust national database, the establishment of a biobank at the National Public Health Laboratory, and the granting of WHO/CDC accreditation to the laboratory of the Chantal Biya International Reference Center (CIRCB).
In closing the ceremony, the Minister called on all health stakeholders to take ownership of these results. To eliminate HIV as a public health threat, future interventions must leverage digital health, community monitoring, and a vigorous fight against stigma.
