Joint External Evaluation 2025 in Cameroon: A Participatory and Multisectoral Process for Strengthening National Health Security
1
1 Public Health Emergency Operation Coordination Center, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
2
2 Hope for Nations Organization’s, Dschang, Cameroon
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3205
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The 2025 Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in Cameroon represents the country’s second assessment following the 2017 evaluation, conducted within the framework of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). It took place in a context characterized by the persistence and re-emergence of epidemics, increased vulnerability to the effects of climate change, and high cross-border population mobility. The objective of this study is to describe the full process of conducting the 2025 JEE in Cameroon.
METHODS:
A descriptive approach was used. Data were drawn from official JEE 2025 documentation, reports from thematic technical groups, and records of the various working sessions. A content analysis was conducted to examine the mechanisms of participation, intersectoral coordination, and governance mobilized throughout the evaluation process.
RESULTS:
The 2025 JEE process in Cameroon actively engaged sectors including human health, animal health, environment, security, and research, as well as technical and financial partners. Beginning with a national self-assessment, the exercise enabled a joint review of the 19 IHR technical areas and the consensual validation of scores for the 56 indicators. Notable progress was observed in immunization, health workforce development, and health emergency management. However, persistent gaps were identified, particularly regarding the national laboratory network, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial resistance, capacities at points of entry, and emergency financing mechanisms. Beyond numerical results, the JEE strengthened national ownership of IHR priorities, intersectoral accountability, and alignment of national actions around the One Health approach.
CONCLUSIONS:
The 2025 JEE constituted a major strategic exercise for Cameroon. This experience highlights the added value of the JEE process as a tool for continuous improvement of national health security, particularly relevant in the African context where health risks are complex, dynamic, and highly interconnected.
The 2025 Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in Cameroon represents the country’s second assessment following the 2017 evaluation, conducted within the framework of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005). It took place in a context characterized by the persistence and re-emergence of epidemics, increased vulnerability to the effects of climate change, and high cross-border population mobility. The objective of this study is to describe the full process of conducting the 2025 JEE in Cameroon.
METHODS:
A descriptive approach was used. Data were drawn from official JEE 2025 documentation, reports from thematic technical groups, and records of the various working sessions. A content analysis was conducted to examine the mechanisms of participation, intersectoral coordination, and governance mobilized throughout the evaluation process.
RESULTS:
The 2025 JEE process in Cameroon actively engaged sectors including human health, animal health, environment, security, and research, as well as technical and financial partners. Beginning with a national self-assessment, the exercise enabled a joint review of the 19 IHR technical areas and the consensual validation of scores for the 56 indicators. Notable progress was observed in immunization, health workforce development, and health emergency management. However, persistent gaps were identified, particularly regarding the national laboratory network, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial resistance, capacities at points of entry, and emergency financing mechanisms. Beyond numerical results, the JEE strengthened national ownership of IHR priorities, intersectoral accountability, and alignment of national actions around the One Health approach.
CONCLUSIONS:
The 2025 JEE constituted a major strategic exercise for Cameroon. This experience highlights the added value of the JEE process as a tool for continuous improvement of national health security, particularly relevant in the African context where health risks are complex, dynamic, and highly interconnected.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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