On 19 June 2026, the International Conference Centre in Mbalmayo hosted the orientation workshop that concluded the preliminary work on the future National Action Plan for Health Security (PANSS) 2027‑2031. Six days of intense debate brought together key actors from Cameroon's health sector, marking a decisive step towards preparing the country for upcoming health emergencies.
The plan, which aligns with the International Health Regulations, aims to strengthen national capacities for preparedness and response to public health crises. By aligning interventions with IHR requirements, Cameroon seeks to ensure smoother coordination among health authorities, laboratories and international partners, to avoid the delays that have sometimes exacerbated previous epidemics.
The meeting gathered representatives from public administrations already engaged in the One Health approach, civil‑society members and technical and financial partners. This diversity reflects the Ministry of Public Health's intention to build a multisectoral framework where animal, environmental and human health are combined to prevent pathogen spread.
Participants were divided into three thematic groups corresponding to the pillars of health security: prevention, detection and response. This arrangement allowed examination of the 19 areas covered by the reference document, ranging from zoonotic disease surveillance to health‑worker training, vaccine stock management and crisis communication. Each group produced concrete recommendations to address identified gaps.
The shortcomings identified in prevention, detection and response reveal structural weaknesses that have at times left the country vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks. By closing these gaps, PANSS aims to turn late alerts into rapid responses, reduce avoidable mortality and protect the most exposed populations, especially in rural areas where access to care remains limited.
For Cameroonians, the plan will translate into more resilient health services: better‑equipped laboratories, field teams trained in emergency protocols, and a secured supply chain for medicines and vaccines. The population will thus benefit from early detection of infection clusters, more effective treatment and clear information during crises, limiting economic and social impacts.
The 2027‑2031 timetable sets implementation milestones, with annual reviews to adjust actions according to health developments. PANSS's success will depend on the continued mobilisation of partners and the government's ability to turn commitments into tangible results. The coming months will therefore be crucial to consolidate the foundations laid in Mbalmayo and ensure Cameroon is ready to face tomorrow's health challenges.
