Cameroon Launches Overhaul of Emergency Medical Services to Save Lives

Cameroon is embarking on a major transformation of its emergency medical services (EMS), signaling a new era in the country’s public health landscape. The Ministry of Public Health, in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has formally validated the comprehensive 2024 evaluation report that highlights the current challenges and urgent needs within the national emergency care system.

Comprehensive Nationwide Assessment Reveals Critical Gaps

Between September 1st and October 30th, 2024, Cameroon undertook a detailed evaluation of its emergency and critical care services, employing the WHO Emergency and Critical Care System Assessment (ECCSA) tool. This internationally recognized framework systematically examined the five core pillars essential to effective emergency care delivery: governance and financing; data and quality improvement; onsite care and transport; hospital-based care and rehabilitation; and emergency preparedness.

Over 170 stakeholders representing all ten regions of Cameroon actively contributed to the assessment. Their diverse perspectives—from frontline health workers to regional health administrators—ensured a participatory and representative analysis. The report was meticulously translated into English by specialists to enhance accessibility and foster inclusive ownership of the findings.

Stark Reality: Deficiencies Undermine Emergency Care Outcomes

The ECCSA report uncovered critical weaknesses jeopardizing the nation’s ability to provide timely, effective emergency care:

• Lack of Strategic and Legal Frameworks: Cameroon currently operates without a unified national strategy or legal mandates governing emergency care services.

• Insufficient Skilled Workforce: There is a glaring shortage of trained emergency medical technicians and ambulance drivers, limiting prehospital care coverage to an estimated 25% of the population.

• Under-equipped Facilities: Fewer than 25% of hospitals meet minimum functional standards for emergency units, revealing serious infrastructural and resource gaps.

• Fragmented Systems: The country lacks a standardized national system for patient records, and emergency telephone numbers remain uncoordinated and without legal backing.

• Access Barriers: Restrictions on timely access to emergency blood transfusions and the absence of dedicated rehabilitation services further hinder patient recovery and outcomes.

These systemic deficiencies underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul to protect lives and improve health equity.

Strategic Roadmap: A 15-Point Plan for Transformative Reform

In light of the assessment’s findings, the Ministry of Public Health has outlined an ambitious 15-priority roadmap, structured around five thematic pillars designed to overhaul and modernize Cameroon’s emergency care system:

1. Governance and Policy Development: Crafting and adopting a national strategic plan dedicated to organizing emergency services nationwide.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Establishing robust laws that regulate emergency care delivery across community, prehospital, hospital, and rehabilitation settings.

3. Sustainable Financing: Creating a dedicated emergency response fund to secure long-term investment and operational stability.

4. Data Management and Quality Improvement: Designing a comprehensive data management guide to improve emergency data collection, analysis, and utilization for informed decision-making.

5. Workforce Development and Training: Implementing extensive training programs to enhance the skills and capacity of healthcare professionals involved in emergency response.

6. Transport and Logistics: Strengthening ambulance services and transport infrastructure to ensure rapid patient transfer and access.

7. Supply Chain Management: Ensuring consistent availability of emergency medicines, blood supplies, and essential materials.

8. Facility Standards and Accreditation: Defining and enforcing emergency care standards across all health facility levels to guarantee uniform quality of care.

9. Emergency Preparedness: Enhancing national readiness for health emergencies, disasters, and mass casualty events.

10. Community Engagement: Promoting awareness and involvement at the community level to foster timely emergency response and health education.

11. Rehabilitation Services: Developing a strategic framework for post-emergency rehabilitation to support full patient recovery.

12. Integrated Communication Systems: Standardizing emergency contact numbers and improving communication networks for coordinated response.

13. Monitoring and Evaluation: Instituting ongoing evaluation mechanisms to track implementation progress and outcomes.

14. Partnership Strengthening: Leveraging collaborations with international partners like WHO and KOICA to harness technical expertise and resources.

15. Innovative Technology Use: Exploring telemedicine, mobile apps, and other technological tools to expand emergency care reach.

Collaboration Is Key for a Resilient Emergency System

The Ministry of Public Health stresses that the success of this transformational agenda relies on the collective efforts of government agencies, healthcare workers, civil society, and international partners. By fostering an environment of cooperation and accountability, Cameroon aims to build an emergency care system that is not only more effective but also equitable and resilient against future challenges.

Toward a Safer Future for All Cameroonians

This transformative journey reflects Cameroon’s commitment to elevating the standard of emergency care, reducing preventable deaths, and improving quality of life for its citizens. With the effective execution of this comprehensive strategy, Cameroon is poised to establish an emergency medical service system that can rapidly respond to crises, deliver lifesaving care, and support patients through recovery—ultimately safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the entire nation.