• Cameroon launches $51.3 million digital health strategy for 2026-2030

• Plan targets better care access, data tracking, and emergency response

• System maturity remains low despite progress in previous 2020-2024 plan

The Cameroonian government on Wednesday launched the National Digital Health Strategic Plan (PSNSN) for 2026-2030, a program expected to cost $51.3 million. The initiative aims to accelerate the digitization of the healthcare system and improve access to medical services.

According to an official press release, the plan is expected to improve access to care, shorten treatment delays, strengthen medical data tracking, and enhance the management of health emergencies. Authorities did not specify how the funding will be raised.

The plan is structured around eight priority areas, including governance, legislation, human resources, digital infrastructure, system interoperability, and innovation. It is intended to address persistent challenges in the management of health data and services.

For several years, Cameroonian authorities have sought to expand the use of digital technologies in the health sector in order to improve medical data management and coordination of care.

An evaluation conducted in 2025 of the previous PSNSN (2020–2024) highlighted several advances, including progress in digital health governance, the development of a national e-health architecture, the deployment of national health information system tools, and capacity building for health professionals.

However, the Ministry of Health said the system’s maturity level remains low, at 1.8 out of 5. This reflects the need to strengthen institutional, legal and financial frameworks to accelerate the sector’s digital transformation.

The program’s implementation will rely on multisectoral governance involving the Ministry of Public Health, institutions responsible for digital development, technical and financial partners, the private sector, civil society and academic institutions.

Ingrid Haffiny