Cameroon is set to launch its National Strategy on Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent, and Nutrition Health (RMNCAH-Nut) on March 13, 2025, in response to the country’s high maternal and infant mortality rates. Despite some progress, 406 women per 100,000 live births died from pregnancy-related complications in 2022, and factors like limited access to healthcare, high adolescent pregnancy rates, and nutrition gaps continue to put mothers and newborns at risk.
Developed with support from the Africa CDC, the five-year strategy aligns with global health goals, aiming to strengthen maternal healthcare, improve data collection, and enhance policy implementation. The strategy was refined through a technical workshop involving 33 experts, including representatives from Cameroon’s Ministry of Health.
The plan also supports broader African Union efforts to strengthen reproductive health policies across the continent. The African Union’s reproductive health strategy (2022-2026) focuses on key issues such as maternal and newborn health, family planning, and gender-based violence reduction.
To ensure nationwide adoption, the strategy has been translated into English and will be distributed across the country. The March 13 launch marks the beginning of an effort to mobilize resources for effective implementation. Africa CDC will continue to collaborate with Cameroon’s Ministry of Health to integrate reproductive health services into the primary healthcare system, aiming to save lives and strengthen the healthcare system.
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