Sustainable Development Goals and Health Sector Strategic Indicators Assessment in Cameroon: A Retrospective Analysis at Regional and National Levels

Abstract

BackgroundCameroon has developed a Health Sector Strategy (HSS) that aims at fostering a healthy and productive human capital. To achieve this objective, key health indicators have been defined to track progress towards the goal. This study was conducted to provide evidence on the current situation and assess progress towards achieving the HSS and other key health indicators in the Centre Region and in Cameroon.MethodsData were collected in April 2023 through a through a comprehensive review of online documents and databases. They were collected retrospectively till 2022. Data were retrieved from the national database using DHIS2 version 2.40 and checked for completeness. Additional data were gathered from online surveys and reports available including Demographic and Health Survey, Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey, National Statistical Institute report for the Centre Region.ResultsAt national level, the highest performance was observed in the proportion of HIV-positive pregnant women receiving ART (99%), while the lowest performance was observed in the reduction of the prevalence of chronic malnutrition among children under five, with 63% of the target achieved. In the Centre Region, the national target of reducing the prevalence of chronic malnutrition to 11% was achieved. The lowest performance was observed in the proportion of children under five sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets. The density of health facilities was above target at national level (2.3 per 10,000 population) but below target at regional level (1.4 per 10,000 population). Coverage of tracer antigens (Penta 3, BCG) decreased over the five-year study period, falling below the national target of 95% in 2022. However, coverage remained above the national average throughout the study period. Coverage of pregnant women attending four or more antenatal clinics and receiving at least three doses of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) remained low from 2018 to 2022.ConclusionsSignificant progress has been made in strengthening the healthcare system and fostering a healthy, productive workforce. Nevertheless, further efforts are required to prevent malaria transmission, promote antenatal care utilization among pregnant women, and address nutritional insecurity in certain Regions.