Visionary Reports

Speaking from the historic Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, addressed the nation on Thursday, February 19, 2026, regarding the recent resurgence of Mpox. In a briefing defined by transparency and composure, the Minister detailed the government’s surveillance efforts, balancing a call for public vigilance with the assurance that the epidemiological situation remains under firm control.Since the onset of the current wave on November 14, 2025, Cameroon’s epidemiological services have tracked 116 suspected cases, with 22 confirmed through rigorous biological testing. While Mpox has been endemic in the region since the 1970s, the current geographic spread has prompted a heightened state of alert.Currently, four regions have reported confirmed cases:Centre,Littoral,East,South west regions of Cameroon.”The situation is under control, but it requires collective discipline,” Dr. Manaouda Malachie emphasized. He noted that while the data suggests a need for swift action, it is not a cause for public panic.Furthermore,to curb the spread, the government has activated a comprehensive response strategy designed to break the chain of transmission. Key pillars of this plan include: Intensified monitoring at entry points and high-risk zones. Boosting the capacity of national laboratories for faster, more accurate results. Meticulous follow-up on all exposed individuals. The Minister confirmed that the process for acquiring targeted vaccines for vulnerable populations is already underway.By choosing Laquintinie Hospital ,a symbol of Cameroon’s modernized healthcare infrastructure for the briefing, the Minister underscored the quality of care available to those affected.

However, he pivoted heavily toward prevention as the primary line of defense, urging citizens to return to health fundamentals: Regular hand washing with soap or disinfectant. Avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals. Strict adherence to food hygiene standards. “Illness should not be a pretext for exclusion, but a driving force for solidarity,” the Minister stated, issued a stern warning against the stigmatization of patients.Meanwhile,the State continues to prioritize real-time communication. Citizens are encouraged to use the toll-free number 1510 for reporting symptoms or seeking information.As the briefing concluded, the message was clear: Cameroon is meeting this public health challenge through a blend of scientific expertise, administrative sovereignty, and a renewed social contract between the State and its people.