Cameroon has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with over 12,000 cases and 300 deaths counted by the end of June 2020. In a new report made public, Cameroonian researchers are severely critical of the government’s handling of this health crisis.
According to the report, the Cameroonian government took too long to close its borders and impose strict confinement and social distancing measures. This delay enabled the rapid spread of the virus throughout the country.
The report also points to the lack of health resources, both on the State side and the population side. Hospitals were unable to mass test, isolate the sick, and provide intensive care.
The bureaucratic and centralized management of the crisis is also criticized. Decisions were made at the top, without involving civil society. Conflicts of jurisdiction between ministries hampered responsiveness.
Finally, the report expresses concern about the lack of transparency in the management of international aid funds and donations. Suspicions of corruption hover over the use of the hundreds of billions of CFA francs received to fight Covid-19.
To learn more, download the full report by Zeumo Goufack Herman which provides an in-depth analysis of Cameroon’s preparation for epidemics, emergency management, and post-crisis perspectives.
