U.S. Launches CFA 18 Billion "SEMBE I" Malaria Offensive in Northern Cameroon

By SA'AH SIONA IKEI

U.S Global Coordinator, Minister of Public Health & other actors

The U.S. government has initiated a project, dubbed SEMBE I, aimed at combating malaria in Cameroon's Far North Region. Led by Dr. David Walton, the U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator, the project was officially launched on March 13 in Yaoundé, with key figures including public health minister Dr. Manaouda Malachie and local health sector associations in attendance.

With a substantial funding of CFA 18 billion (equivalent to USD $30 million), SEMBE I marks the first-ever malaria project awarded to a local Cameroonian association by the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). Spearheaded by the Cameroon Association for Social Marketing (ACMS), the five-year initiative aims to bolster the capacity of the National Malaria Control Program and other local entities to lead the prevention, control, and elimination of malaria in the Far North Region of Cameroon.

In his remarks, Dr. Walton emphasized the U.S. government's dedication to shifting greater leadership, decision-making, and implementation of malaria programming from international institutions to local Cameroonian partners.

"Understanding that local communities know best the challenges they face fighting malaria and what they need to beat the disease, we aim for PMI programs to be guided by Cameroonian organizations and rooted in local priorities" he said. Dr Walton further added: "We firmly believe that providing direct funding to local organizations will contribute to more sustainable, effective, and equitable malaria services and stronger health systems in Cameroon."

One of the focuses of the SEMBE I project involves various strategies to combat malaria in the Far North Region. To the team, these strategies include strengthening the capacity of health workers, improving access to diagnostic tools and treatment, promoting community engagement and behavior change, and enhancing surveillance and monitoring systems. By empowering local organizations and communities, the project would create a sustainable and comprehensive approach to malaria control and prevention.

‘‘From 2021 to 2023, we saw an estimated 40% drop in the number of deaths recorded from malaria throughout the national territory. However, some regions are still affected, like the Extreme North and Adamawa regions. The SEMBE I project which will be launched in the Extreme North in this context will reinforce the capacities of the various actors to better act in the fight against malaria.’’ Said Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health.

Due to its high population density and climatic conditions that favour mosquito breeding as proven by statistics, Cameroon’s Far North Region is particularly vulnerable to malaria. As such, malaria is a significant health burden in the region. This has resulted in a substantial number of reported cases each year, causing absenteeism from school and work. Pregnant women and young children are especially at risk. In 2022, the prevalence of malaria in children aged 6 to 59 months was recorded at 27%.

Minister Malachie concluded by stating that the launch of the SEMBE I project marks a new era in the fight against malaria in Cameroon. He believes that placing local organizations at the forefront of malaria control efforts would aid in the strengthening of health systems and improve health outcomes for the people of Cameroon.

Meanwhile, Coordinator David Walton assured the audience that, the team would ensure collaborative efforts and dedicated investments, for a positive outcome in the project.

By Sa'ah Siona Ikei,

Creative Storyteller.