Cameroon and U.S. sign $850 million health system agreement

Cameroon and the United States have formalized a major health cooperation agreement to modernize Cameroon’s healthcare system through 2030. The Strategic Objectives Grant Agreement (SOAG), signed in Yaoundé on October 1, 2026, establishes a financial framework totaling approximately 510 billion FCFA (roughly $850 million).

The United States will contribute approximately 240 billion FCFA ($400 million), while the Cameroonian government has committed to a co-investment of up to 270 billion FCFA ($450 million). This partnership follows a memorandum of understanding signed in late 2025 and reflects a shift toward multiyear bilateral agreements that require local co-investment.

Key priorities for the funding include the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The program also aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, laboratory capabilities, pharmaceutical supply chains, and health data systems. Additionally, the initiative focuses on reducing maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality and implementing a ‘One Health’ approach to manage transboundary health risks.

Separately, Cameroon and the World Health Organization (WHO) have outlined a new cooperation strategy for 2025–2029. This strategy aims to improve health sector governance, expand essential service coverage, and enhance responses to health emergencies and climate-related health pressures.