By Boris Esono Nwenfor
YAOUNDE, PAV – At a time when access to quality healthcare remains a major concern for many Cameroonians, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation brought together experts and key stakeholders to confront some of the country’s most pressing health insurance challenges.
Through three Operational Working Groups held on June 24, the Health Division of the Institute opened a critical conversation around the future of healthcare protection in Cameroon, focusing on three interconnected issues: the governance and regulation of private health insurance, access to insurance coverage for health workers, and healthcare financing for the elderly.
The sessions were part of the Nkafu Policy Institute’s ongoing efforts to generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen healthcare financing and support Cameroon’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ambitions.
During discussions on the governance and regulation of private health insurance, Dr Constantine Asahngwa, Deputy Director of the Health Division at the Nkafu Policy Institute, presented findings from a study titled “Understanding Private Health Insurance, Governance and Regulation in Cameroon.”
He highlighted major challenges within the private health insurance sector, including high costs, limited accessibility and governance gaps that continue to prevent many Cameroonians from benefiting from health insurance schemes.
According to Dr Asahngwa, while private health insurance has the potential to complement government efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, weak regulation remains a major obstacle.
He emphasised the need for the creation of a dedicated health regulatory agency that would protect the interests of insurance subscribers, ensure compliance with existing laws and promote accountability among stakeholders.
“At the Nkafu Policy Institute, we are interested in the issue of private health insurance because the government launched Universal Health Coverage, which is limited because a number of our populations are not included. We hoped that private health insurance could fill this gap, but unfortunately, it faces governance challenges,” Dr Asahngwa said.
Health workers facing insurance exclusion.
The 6th Operational Working Group focused on the health insurance situation of Cameroon’s healthcare workforce. Discussions were guided by a policy brief titled “Closing the Health Insurance Gap for Cameroon’s Health Workforce,” presented by Regina Sinsai.
Participants examined why health workers remain central to delivering healthcare services, yet many lack adequate protection against health-related financial risks. The discussions explored institutional, financial and regulatory barriers limiting access to insurance coverage among healthcare professionals and the consequences on staff motivation, retention and the resilience of the health system.
Hilaire Saha Tamogue, Secretary General of the Order of Medical and Healthcare Professionals, stressed that healthcare workers are exposed to numerous occupational risks, including infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis, as well as risks highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that while the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) covers certain occupational risks and workplace accidents, it does not provide comprehensive healthcare coverage for health workers and their families.
He called for the establishment of health insurance schemes specifically designed for healthcare professionals through their respective professional bodies.
Calls for greater awareness and inclusion
Participants also highlighted the importance of improving awareness of available insurance benefits. Dr Eyombo Stéphanie Josepha, a participant, said a significant portion of Cameroon’s population remains without health coverage, with the situation particularly worrying among medical personnel.
She recommended stronger registration with the CNPS and greater sensitisation of healthcare students, including medical doctors and nurses in training, on the importance of health insurance.
“Health insurance in Cameroon is a real problem today. More than 60% of the population still lacks health coverage. The situation is even worse for medical personnel,” Dr Eyombo said. “This workshop was very enriching because we discovered many challenges to overcome during the discussions. The first and most important recommendation is registration with the CNPS (National Social Insurance Fund) to benefit from health coverage. Elderly healthcare access under review.
The 7th Operational Working Group examined the challenges faced by elderly persons in accessing private health insurance.
Although people aged 65 years and above represent less than five per cent of Cameroon’s population, participants noted that they carry a disproportionate burden of chronic illnesses and age-related conditions while remaining among the least protected by existing insurance schemes.
Setting the stage for the discussions, Musa Nji, Policy Analyst at the Nkafu Policy Institute, highlighted the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to improve healthcare access for older persons.
Participants debated key questions, including who should finance healthcare for the elderly and what institutional mechanisms are required to ensure effective Universal Health Coverage reforms.
Through the three Operational Working Groups, the Nkafu Policy Institute says it hopes to provide concrete policy recommendations aimed at strengthening health insurance governance, protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring that no Cameroonian is left behind in the country’s pursuit of universal healthcare access.
