Improving HIV Screening Rates in Cameroon: Addressing Sociocultural Barriers

Overcoming Sociocultural Barriers: To overcome these barriers, experts recommend a strategy of mass awareness, focusing on information and training for community leaders. They believe this approach is crucial if Cameroon wants to catch up with other African countries that perform better in terms of HIV screening.

Cameroon's Lagging Screening Rates: Latest available figures reveal that Cameroon lags behind other African countries in HIV screening. In 2022, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria reported that Cameroon conducted 68,000 HIV screening tests among priority populations. In comparison, Ivory Coast conducted 219,000 screening tests, while South Africa, often cited as an example, conducted 356,000 screening tests during the same period.

Objective: 95% Screening Rate by 2030: Cameroon aims to reach 95% of people living with HIV who know their serological status by 2030. This objective, set by UNAIDS, underscores the importance of improving screening rates in the country.

Conclusion: Addressing sociocultural barriers and increasing mass awareness are crucial steps for Cameroon to achieve its HIV screening objectives. By implementing targeted strategies and focusing on community engagement, the country can improve its screening rates and make significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.