COVID-19 pandemic in Cameroon

Overview of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cameroon

The COVID-19 pandemic in Cameroon is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Cameroon in March 2020.

Background

The United States delivers COVID-19 vaccine doses to Cameroon

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and subsequently spread globally, leading to the ongoing pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

Timeline

March 2020

The first case of COVID-19 in Cameroon was confirmed on 6 March 2020. The patient was a 58-year-old French citizen who had arrived in the capital, Yaoundé, on 24 February. Following this, the government of Cameroon implemented several measures to curb the spread of the virus, including closing borders, suspending schools, and banning public gatherings.

April 2020

By April, the number of confirmed cases had increased significantly. The government introduced a nationwide curfew and mandated the wearing of face masks in public places. Health authorities also began contact tracing and testing efforts to identify and isolate cases.

Subsequent Developments

Donation ceremony for COVID-19 relief in Cameroon

Throughout 2020 and 2021, Cameroon experienced several waves of COVID-19 infections. The government continued to adjust its response, including the introduction of vaccination campaigns as vaccines became available. International partners, including the COVAX initiative, played a crucial role in supplying vaccines to the country.

Government Response

The Cameroonian government established a special fund to combat the pandemic and allocated resources for the purchase of medical supplies and equipment. Health facilities were equipped to handle COVID-19 cases, and public health campaigns were launched to educate the population on preventive measures.

Vaccination Campaign

The vaccination campaign in Cameroon began in April 2021, with healthcare workers and vulnerable populations prioritized for the first doses. The government aimed to vaccinate a significant portion of the population to achieve herd immunity. Vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Johnson & Johnson were administered.

Impact

The pandemic had a profound impact on Cameroon's economy and society. The health sector faced challenges due to limited resources, while the economic slowdown affected various industries, including tourism and trade. Educational institutions adapted by implementing remote learning solutions.

Public Health Measures

Hand hygiene education for children in rural Cameroon

Public health measures included promoting hand hygiene, social distancing, and the use of face masks. The government also encouraged the use of digital platforms for work and education to minimize physical contact.

Challenges

Cameroon faced several challenges in managing the pandemic, including vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues in vaccine distribution, and misinformation about the virus and vaccines. Efforts to address these challenges included community engagement and collaboration with international health organizations.

Related pages

• COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
• COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory
• Public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic