From the management of adolescent diabetes to clinical mentoring in maternal health, the biennial congress of the Cameroon Nurses Association (AIIC) revealed a profession undergoing rapid scientific transformation. Beyond simply delivering care, Cameroonian practitioners are now establishing themselves as field researchers and committed decision-makers working to improve health outcomes.https://absn.mercer.edu/blog/why-the-role-of-nurses-is-important-in-healthcare/
On May 12 and 13, 2026, on the occasion of International Nurses Day, the Cameroon Nurses Association (AIIC) organised its biennial congress (CIIC 2026) under the high patronage of the Minister of Public Health.
They are the discreet but indispensable link in the Cameroonian healthcare system. Often working behind the scenes, rarely in the spotlight, Cameroon’s nurses nevertheless carry the daily work of hospitals, rural health centers, and emergency services. From the Djoungolo district to the Yaoundé Central Hospital, they are the ones who watch over, educate, prevent, and provide relief. On May 12 and 13, 2026, on the occasion of International Nurses Day, the Cameroon Nurses Association (AIIC) organized its biennial congress (CIIC 2026) under the high patronage of the Minister of Public Health. Nearly 200 delegates from all ten regions addressed the central theme: « Nursing Interventions and Healthcare Outcomes: Contributions to Population Health in the Era of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Cameroon. » This was a way of responding to the invitation of the International Council of Nurses, whose 2026 motto was: « Our Nurses. » Our future. The power of nurses to act saves lives.
From the outset, Professor Etienne Kimessoukié, president of AIIC, noted that nine years after the association’s creation, the profession still faces challenges in
terms of recognition, training, and advancement. However, the presentations revealed a different dynamic. Dr. Philomène Missi kicked things off with a powerful lecture on the challenges of nursing interventions in the era of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Then, for two days, roundtables and parallel sessions showcased a veritable showcase of Cameroonian nursing innovation.
Concrete innovations
The jury, chaired by Professor Kimessoukié, commended several outstanding projects. The MaSSaP program (Dr. Armelle Tachoua) proposes an integrated hospital-home-school platform to strengthen the resilience of diabetic adolescents. The MIFAP-SONU clinical mentoring model (Dr. Thérèse Messe Nguegang) aims to reduce maternal mortality through on-site supervision of healthcare providers. Also recognized were the reflections on artificial intelligence in clinical practice (Brel Tchinda) and person-centered care models (Dr. Jean Ndibi Abanda). The Poster Presentation Excellence Awards were notably given to Vivian Dufe Bani, Roosvelt Gnilo Donfack, and Abakar Bilkissou for their analysis of Marjory Gordon’s conceptual model.
A new office for AIIC
The second day was marked by the elective general assembly. Professor Etienne Kimessoukié passed the torch. The newly elected president, Dr. Samuel Lele Bomgni, a PhD nurse and head of department at HGOPY, took the reins. In his opening address, he emphasized the need to harmonize training programs and gain recognition for advanced nursing practice in Cameroon. « Our struggle continues, but this congress proves that we have the skills and the will, » he declared to applause.
Recommendations and perspectives
The final summary, presented by Dr. Jean Ndibi Abanda, listed five major recommendations: systematically integrate evidence into clinical practices; develop clinical mentoring in all regions; accelerate digitalization with tools like the COHIS platform; strengthen continuing education in the era of UHC; and enhance the financial and symbolic value of the profession.
The 2026 International Conference on Healthcare (ICF) concluded with one certainty: Cameroonian nurses are no longer mere implementers. They are decision-makers, field researchers, and innovators in public health. As the Minister of Public Health reminded everyone in his speech: « Your power to act is the best guarantee for successful Universal Health Coverage. » See you in 2028 for the next edition.
Until then, Cameroonian healthcare has found its heroes.
ESN
