Implementing UHC through Open Source Tools: A Cameroonian Use Case

Introduction to presentation

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.

(This introduction has been provided by Daniella Majakari Bernard, Swiss TPH)

PDF of presentation by Dragos Dobre, Swiss TPH

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Other recommended readings on this topic:

• UHC scheme in Cameroon - Germany’s multi-facetted contribution and (techn.) integration of health programmes supported by openIMIS (EN) / Healthy DEvelopments / openIMIS Initiative / BMZ+SDC / February 2024; Thinking and working politically to realise Universal Health Coverage: Insights from Cameroonian-German cooperation 

• Our partner P4H has also reported on this development. Please, check out the article by Aminata Nana, P4H-Country Focal Person.

Background Global Digital Health Forum

GDHF is the leading global public health industry networking and relationship-building opportunity for technology vendors, donors, researchers, government representatives, and implementing organizations working in low- and middle-income countries.

GDHF 2023 was conducted as a hybrid Forum again and featured 3-days of virtual and in-person content. Washington D.C. acted as the main hub for the in-person portion of this hybrid event and satellite locations around the globe were announced for so called ‘Watch Parties’, among them Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Indoniea, Chile and St. Lucia.  The virtual platform had a capacity for 5,000+ participants.

GDHF 2023 website