The fourth bimonthly coordination and data review meeting of the Regional Technical Group for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS (GTR-SIDA-Centre), held in Yaounde on September 14, 2026, brought together health stakeholders and community actors. The participation of traditional practitioners and religious leaders marked a new step towards broader community involvement in HIV prevention, awareness and response efforts.
Strengthening coordination through wider participation
The meeting brought together technical and financial partners involved in the HIV response in the Center Region. The proceedings were officially opened on behalf of the Regional Delegate of Public Health for the Center by Dr Atangana, Head of Brigade at the Regional Delegation of Public Health.
In her opening remarks, she highlighted the importance given by health authorities to these coordination meetings. They provide a platform for consultation, information sharing and monitoring of interventions implemented as part of the regional HIV response.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Raissa Dalhatou, Coordinator of the GTR-SIDA-Centre, stressed the importance of effective participation by all partners. She described the meetings as opportunities to assess progress, identify challenges and strengthen coordination among stakeholders working towards a more effective HIV response.
Traditional practitioners and religious leaders join the discussion
The fourth session introduced a significant development with the participation of traditional practitioners and religious leaders. Their involvement reflects the importance of engaging different sections of society in efforts to address HIV-related challenges.
According to the GTR-SIDA-Centre Coordinator, the HIV response requires collective responsibility and the contribution of all sectors of society. The participation of these actors therefore offers an opportunity to strengthen awareness activities, community mobilization and prevention initiatives.
Discussions during the meeting shed light on the various activities carried out by traditional practitioners and religious leaders, particularly in awareness raising, community mobilization and research.
Dr Raissa Dalhatou encouraged them to strengthen their collaboration with the GTR-SIDA-Centre and ensure that data from their activities are regularly reported. Such information is expected to contribute to better documentation of the regional HIV response.
Community organizations and local authorities involved
Community-based organizations, including KidAids and AFASO, also took part in the meeting, alongside the councils of Yaounde I and IV.
These stakeholders presented the interventions they implement in their respective communities. Their contributions were acknowledged, while participants were encouraged to strengthen cooperation with the GTR-SIDA-Centre and improve the regular transmission of activity-related data.
The involvement of community organizations and local authorities highlights the role of local stakeholders in supporting health interventions and maintaining links between communities and the health system.
Improving documentation of the HIV response
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continued collaboration among all partners involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr Raissa Dalhatou expressed her appreciation to participants for their commitment and contributions to the discussions. She also reaffirmed the confidence of health authorities in the various stakeholders engaged in the response.
By encouraging broader participation and regular data reporting, the GTR-SIDA-Centre is seeking to strengthen coordination among partners working to address HIV in the Center Region.
The meeting ultimately recalled that the fight against HIV/AIDS extends beyond medical interventions. It also involves community engagement, information sharing and collective action to protect lives and uphold human dignity.
