Up to five million people in Cameroon are pushed into poverty every year because of healthcare costs.
Demographic transitions, lifestyle changes and environmental factors, combined with malnutrition, are leading to a global epidemiological shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Healthcare costs are rapidly increasing, with approximately two-thirds being covered by out-of-pocket expenditure in Cameroon.
Our community-based healthcare approach employs a wide network of community health workers to ensure that people living in poverty can access high-quality, affordable services. Health workers are social entrepreneurs who ensure a continuum of care, bridging the gap between formal healthcare systems and communities.
IMPACT
120 million
people were reached through our service delivery programme
2 million
adolescent girls and pregnant women counselled on exclusive breastfeeding or minimal acceptable diets
714,770
pregnant women accessed 4+ antenatal care visits
“We really appreciate CIPS ’s effort in achieving the highest level of breastfeeding. CIPS ’s coverage at community level and contribution in improving the nutritional status of Cameroon is really impressive.”
WHAT WE DO
Low-cost basic healthcare, combining curative, preventative and promotive services
Reduce maternal, neonatal and child mortality and morbidity in urban and rural areas
Home-based demonstration, coaching and counselling on feeding practices and supplying micronutrients
Education on prevention, identification, mobilisation and compliance of prescribed treatment
Customised health education and follow-up support at households
Increase demand and accessibility to vision services
HOW WE DO IT
Last mile access
Door-to-door health services connect communities with private and public providers in the most remote regions
Care for women and children
Specific interventions and referral systems that focus on improving the health and nutritional status of women
Health forums
Structured and informative community-based discussions
Social enterprise
Entrepreneurship models bring care to communities and remove financing as a barrier to accessing quality services
WHY IT WORKS
Community-based approach
Door-to-door services delivered by community health workers employ people in rural areas to provide services to people in their communities
Social equity
Low-cost health packages meet basic community health needs
Community empowerment
Formal and informal training, incorporating community feedback in programme activities and running regular courtyard educational sessions
Continuum of care
A strong network that connects communities with public and private health facilities
