Abuja: President Donald Trump’s announcement that all foreign aid will be frozen-with the exception of aid to Israel and Egypt-should be a wake-up call for African leaders to prioritize healthcare on the continent.
According to Cameroon News Agency, while Trump’s decision may be frustrating, it serves as a stark reminder that the US, as a sovereign nation, has the ultimate control over its financial allocations. Many African nations, despite being rich in oil and other natural resources, have long neglected healthcare as a critical area of investment.
It is widely acknowledged that African leaders often fail to invest adequately in their nations’ health systems. Consequently, when they fall ill, they frequently seek medical treatment overseas, incurring costs that are prohibitive for their citizens. Ironically, Africa bears a significant burden of disease, with high incidences of illnesses such as Ebola, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Yet, public health is often treated as a secondary concern by many African governments.
The COVID-gate scandal in Cameroon from 2020 is a recent example, where funds intended for purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) disappeared, and subsequent investigations failed to recover most of the diverted funds. Trump’s threat to cease all foreign aid, including initiatives like PEPFAR, the US government’s anti-AIDS program, could have dire consequences for countries like Cameroon, where over half a million people live with HIV.
Healthcare should be a continuous governmental priority, not only when crises arise. Cameroon faces a shortage of medical professionals, inadequate hospital equipment, and a scarcity of specialist doctors. The Ministry of Public Health must enhance its efforts to retain local doctors, offer competitive salaries, and improve hospital infrastructure.
Religious organizations like the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) and the Catholic Church significantly contribute to healthcare in the private sector. The government should continue supporting these institutions as they play a critical role in maintaining public health.
Trump’s proposed foreign aid cuts should prompt the Cameroonian government to allocate sufficient resources to public health and ensure that funds are used appropriately. Thorough audits are necessary to prevent misappropriation.
With health included in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), Cameroon cannot afford to fall behind. The government must consider whether it can independently finance essential medications for diseases like malaria and HIV, should international aid cease.