BACKGROUND:
The implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), revised in 2022, is a major pillar of global health security, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Cameroon. Recent public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Mpox outbreak, have revealed persistent shortcomings in the operationalisation of national preparedness and response policies.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to analyse the level of implementation of national policies and guidelines related to the IHR in Cameroon, with a focus on preparedness and response to the Mpox outbreak, as well as the main operational challenges encountered.

METHODS:
A documentary analysis was conducted, including national policies, strategic plans, guidelines and evaluation reports, notably the Joint External Evaluation, covering the period from January 2020 to October 2025. This was complemented by a review of the scientific literature from Google Scholar, PubMed and Hinari databases, as well as the collection of information from managers of health posts and selected points of entry in Cameroon.

RESULTS:
Cameroon has a relatively structured policy and strategic framework, including the National Multi-Hazard Preparedness Plan, the National Health Security Strategy, the National Action Plan for Health Security and the National Public Health Observatory. Implementation of the IHR has led to notable progress, particularly in epidemiological surveillance and case management. However, significant gaps remain, related to insufficient domestic funding and a strong reliance on technical and financial partners, limited human resource capacity at the level of IHR focal points and peripheral actors, as well as low levels of community ownership of response measures.