The use of openIMIS in Cameroon is expanding

The Cameroonian government has recently inaugurated its nation-wide UHC scheme, marking a significant stride towards comprehensive and inclusive access to healthcare. This initiative brings together previously separate programs covering maternal health, HIV, TB and dialysis services as well as all consultations for children under five.

The dedicated team that initially implemented openIMIS for the maternal health voucher scheme has extended its efforts to create a new, integrated, openIMIS platform that simultaneously manages these five programs. The collaborative efforts between Y-Note, Swiss TPH, and GIZ Cameroon have proven successful in supporting the Ministry of Health in setting up this pioneering initiative. Notably, claims have been entered into the system as of November 6th, marking the operational commencement of the implementation.

The expansion of openIMIS and the launch of the nation-wide UHC scheme in Cameroon mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of the country's healthcare system. The convergence of various health programs under the innovative openIMIS platform is a testament to the transformative power of collaborative efforts and technological innovation. As Cameroon continues on this progressive trajectory, the partnership between stakeholders and the government holds the promise of a healthier, more connected, and digitally-driven healthcare future for all.

Source: This update has been provided by Daniella Majakari Bernard / SwissTPH for the openIMIS newsletter Dec 2023

Articles on Healthy DEvelopment:

• Thinking and working politically to realise Universal Health Coverage: Insights from Cameroonian-German cooperation – Healthy DEvelopments (bmz.de), published 04/2024

• (part II with focus on digital integration planned for July 2024, contact: Corinne Grainger)

Other sources:

• presentation by Ghislain Guehoua, Pro-PASSaR II; Project - Promoting Actions for a Resilient Health System, Digital Health & Social Protection Portfolio in Cameroon presented in SN DHeSP Webinar on 16 April 2024 (shared with Corinne + Anna in April 2024)

• presentation by Ghislain Guehoua during openIMIS Bhela 07/2024