Widening access to AIDS treatment
International staff: 8
National staff: 18
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Drastic cuts in Cameroon's health budget and the introduction
of cost recovery at a time of falling incomes has led
to a decline in the quality and use of medical services,
and a corresponding deterioration in public health.
Over 860,000 or 11.8% of Cameroon's adults live with
HIV/AIDS. In January 2001, it became the first country in
Africa where MSF introduced antiretroviral (ARV) treatment
for people with limited resources. By the end of July
2002, 102 people in the capital Yaoundé were receiving
free ARV treatment through this program. MSF also provides
medical follow-up to 40 patients receiving ARV
treatment through another channel; trains local doctors
and health personnel; and has helped the government and
health authorities to find a cheaper, non-patented source
for ARV drugs (India).
A second HIV/AIDS program was set up in Douala in
August 2001. MSF runs testing, counseling and prevention
activities in the outpatient departments of two hospitals,
and provides drugs against opportunistic infections
to low-income patients. The team averages 600 consultations
per month.
In October 2001, MSF and partner organizations identified
over 400 cases of Buruli ulcer, a severely deforming
mycobacterial infection that manifests itself in swellings
and skin lesions, in the central districts of Ayos and
Akonolinga. At least 200 of those infected need surgery;
more than half of them are children under 15. MSF is
starting a treatment and information program to fight
this often disabling disease in September 2002.
MSF began working in Cameroon in 2000.
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