Universal Access to Healthcare in Cameroon: Financing Sources

Abstract

Purpose: The research aims to identify sustainable sources of funding the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Cameroon, in response to the current situation where households finance 70% of healthcare costs, and healthcare is largely unaffordable for many social groups.

Material and Methods :  The study used an exploratory qualitative approach in the Bangue Health District in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. Fifteen people participated in this study during ten days. Participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected by means of a semi-structured interview guide. A general inductive approach was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings: The main findings indicated that the identified funding sources are primarily based on local resources, including: 1) the State, through the budget allocated to healthcare; 2) the implementation of a health tax based on different sectors of activity; 3) contributions from the Diaspora; and 4) assistance from external and internal partners. Resource mobilisation could be carried out by decentralised government departments, with management overseen by an autonomous UHC body created for the project.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy :  Considering the findings, the State should : 1) Raise public awareness and provide training on UHC ; 2) Equip healthcare facilities with adequate human and material resources ; 3) Decentralise the structures for collecting UHC-related funds ; 4) Ensure the security of the collected funds to operationalise UHC effectively.