On August 10, 2026, in Yaounde, The Minister of Public Health Dr Manaouda Malachie meets with the IOM Chief of Mission Abdel Rahmane Diop to strengthen cooperation on health surveillance, epidemic preparedness, climate-related health risks and the mobilization of Cameroonian expertise abroad, with the aim of building a more resilient and inclusive health system.
Stronger surveillance for mobile population
Population movements are increasingly becoming an important public health issue. The movement of people across borders and between regions can influence the spread of infectious diseases and complicate the delivery of health services, particularly in areas hosting displaced populations.
Against this backdrop, MINSANTE and IOM are looking to strengthen health surveillance and epidemic preparedness, including around border areas. Better coordination and access to information on population movements can help health authorities anticipate health threats and respond more rapidly when outbreaks occur.
For Cameroon, which shares borders with several countries and host populations displaced by insecurity and other crises, integrating mobility data into health planning can improve the targeting of vaccination, disease surveillance and
emergency response activities.
Climate change and displacement
Climate change was another key area of discussion. Changes in environmental conditions, extreme weather events and the loss of livelihoods can contribute to population displacement while exposing communities to new health risks.
The partnership between Ministry of Public Health and IOM seeks to strengthen anticipation of these challenges by linking information on population movements with public health preparedness. Such an approach could help authorities identify vulnerable communities and adapt health interventions to changing patterns of mobility.
Mobilizing Cameroon’s diaspora
The discussions also highlighted the potential contribution of Cameroonians living abroad. Their professional skills and experience could be mobilized to support the development of the national health system through knowledge transfer, technical cooperation and capacity building.
This dimension gives human mobility a broader perspective. Beyond the challenges associated with migration and displacement, the movement of people can also create opportunities to strengthen national capacities.
The meeting therefore marks a renewed effort to bring migration and health policies closer together. By combining stronger surveillance, climate preparedness and diaspora expertise, Cameroon and IOM aim to support a health system better equipped to respond to the realities of an increasingly mobile population.
