Catalytic COVID-19 Action Project In Cameroon

Overview

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in exponential illness and death. If transmission remains high in low- and middle-income countries, the SARS-CoV-2 virus will continue to have far-reaching public health and economic consequences. Although considerable progress has been made, additional support is still needed to not only improve access to COVID-19 screening, isolation, care, and treatment interventions but to also build the capacity of health workers to promote the adoption and implementation of innovative approaches.

It is also necessary to encourage and increase the demand for these services among the population. Market disruptions also affect the critical tools needed to prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19, particularly in resource-limited countries. Without access to early identification through quality and affordable diagnostics, case management, and informed isolation, mortality rates will climb—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where vaccine rollout is lagging.

Like many African countries, Cameroon continues to face the challenges described above. Thus, a successful COVID-19 response requires a comprehensive national testing strategy, which includes complimentary, accurate, and affordable rapid diagnostic antigen testing as a key strategy to expand access to diagnosis, especially in decentralized settings integrated into TB, HIV and MNCH clinics /services and enhanced access and linkage to treatment through a Hub and Spoke model.