Cameroon: Reducing Out-of-Pocket Health Costs Tops Nkafu Policy Institute Dialogue

YAOUNDE, PAV – Reducing the heavy financial burden of healthcare on Cameroonian households took centre stage as researchers, health experts and key stakeholders gathered for the 9th Operational Working Group (OWG) organised by the Nkafu Policy Institute on July 16, 2026, at Mansel Hotel in Yaoundé.

Held under the theme “Lessons from Community-Based Health Insurance for Scaling Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon,” the dialogue examined how the country’s experience with Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) can inform the expansion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthen inclusive health financing mechanisms.

Dr Constantine Asahngwa, Deputy Director of the Health Division at the Nkafu Policy Institute, said the dialogue was designed to identify practical lessons from Community-Based Health Insurance schemes that could strengthen healthcare access across the country.

“The main objective of this working group is to assess and understand the role that community-based health insurance can play in improving access to healthcare services and how it can help the government’s Universal Health Coverage programme better implement its activities,” he said.

Significant Challenges Remain in Implementing UHC

According to discussions during the meeting, Cameroon still relies heavily on out-of-pocket payments, exposing many households to catastrophic health expenditures and limiting access to essential healthcare services. The current financing model has left vulnerable populations at risk of delaying or foregoing treatment because of cost.

The Operational Working Group was convened to critically review the Nkafu Policy Institute’s policy paper, “Lessons from Community-Based Health Insurance for Scaling Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon,” and develop practical recommendations for improving healthcare financing nationwide.

According to Dr Asahngwa, community-based insurance schemes have already demonstrated success in several communities, making them valuable models for national health financing reforms.

“We believe community-based health insurance has something to contribute. There are success stories in some areas, and we want to identify those strengths and determine what government can learn from them to improve the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon,” he explained.

He disclosed that the discussions would culminate in a detailed report containing actionable recommendations for policymakers. “We have moved beyond the analysis and reflection phase. The next step is developing a roadmap for action that clearly identifies what needs to be done, who is responsible and how the recommendations should be implemented,” Dr Asahngwa said.

He stressed the urgency of translating policy discussions into concrete reforms, noting that many Cameroonians continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality healthcare.

“There is a real need for action because many Cameroonians do not have access to healthcare. We believe discussions like this can create opportunities for more people to be included in health protection programmes such as Universal Health Coverage and private health insurance,” he added.

Building Public Confidence is Paramount

Participants highlighted the importance of rebuilding public confidence in Community-Based Health Insurance schemes to improve enrolment and long-term sustainability.

Dr Fuein Vera Kum, Research Fellow at the Nkafu Policy Institute and lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at the University of Bamenda, identified public sensitisation as one of the most critical priorities.

She explained that paying insurance premiums in advance allows households to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket healthcare expenses whenever they seek medical treatment. “Once you pay your premium ahead of time, you avoid the issue of paying directly from your pocket each time you visit a healthcare facility,” she noted.

Dr Vera also emphasised the need to strengthen community participation in the design and implementation of insurance programmes. “Another important recommendation is the proper engagement of community members and involving key stakeholders whom the communities trust,” she said.

“The major issue with community-based health insurance today is the lack of trust in the insurance package. If trusted community leaders work hand in hand with healthcare workers, sensitisation will improve, confidence will increase, and more people will be encouraged to enrol,” she explained.

About the Denis And Lenora Foretia Foundation

The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments, policymakers, private enterprises, civil society organisations, as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners, in addition to improving individual livelihoods.

About the Nkafu Policy Institute

The Nkafu Policy Institute is an African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that allow all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic and sustainable economies. The Institute is made up of analysts, experts and researchers from all over the world, working on a wide range of topics, including governance and democracy, health and education, peace and security, science and technology, and economic policy.