By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – Health authorities in Cameroon have raised fresh concerns over the increasing spread of Tuberculosis (TB), warning that the country could record more than 36,000 new infections in 2026 if urgent measures are not reinforced.
According to the latest projections from the Ministry of Public Health Cameroon, the anticipated surge represents an estimated incidence rate of 132 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, marking a notable rise compared to previous years.
The data points to a growing public health challenge. In 2025, a total of 26,924 tuberculosis cases in all forms were reported nationwide, with nearly 10 per cent affecting children. The upward trend highlights the need for stronger interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations where access to early diagnosis and treatment remains limited.
Mortality linked to the disease also continues to raise concern, with an estimated 17 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Public health officials warn that without intensified efforts, the burden of tuberculosis could significantly strain the country’s healthcare system.
Tuberculosis, a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, remains one of the leading infectious killers globally. It is often associated with poverty, overcrowding, and weakened immune systems, factors that are still prevalent in many communities across Cameroon.
In response to the rising numbers, authorities have outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening the national response. These include scaling up active case finding through community-based screening, expanding access to rapid diagnostic technologies, and improving the monitoring and follow-up of patients undergoing treatment.
Health officials emphasise that early detection is key to controlling the spread of TB. Many infections, they note, go undiagnosed for long periods, allowing transmission to continue within households and communities. By intensifying screening efforts, authorities hope to identify cases earlier and initiate treatment promptly.
However, these efforts are being implemented in a difficult financial environment. Funding for tuberculosis control has reportedly dropped by about 29 per cent due to a lack of support from the Global Fund, as more resources are being directed toward other major health priorities such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The reduction in funding has raised concerns among health professionals, who warn that sustained investment is essential to maintaining gains in TB control and preventing a resurgence of the disease. Reduced financial support could limit the availability of diagnostic tools, medications, and outreach programs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite these challenges, Cameroon has recorded some progress in treatment outcomes. The current treatment success rate stands at 82 per cent, reflecting the proportion of patients who complete therapy and recover. While this is a positive indicator, it remains below the 90 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation.
Improving treatment adherence will be critical in the fight against tuberculosis. Interruptions in treatment not only reduce recovery rates but also increase the risk of drug-resistant strains, which are more difficult and costly to treat.
Public health authorities are therefore calling for a multi-sectoral approach to address the disease, combining medical interventions with broader social and economic support. This includes raising awareness about TB symptoms, reducing stigma associated with the disease, and encouraging people to seek medical attention early.
Communities are also being urged to cooperate with health workers during screening campaigns and to support patients undergoing treatment, as recovery often requires several months of consistent medication.
