National Capacities for Implementing the International Health Regulations in Cameroon: A Comparative Analysis of the 2017 and 2025 Joint External Evaluations
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):A3158
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
As part of its commitment to implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) and strengthening national health security, Cameroon conducted two Joint External Evaluations (JEEs), the first in 2017 and the second in 2025, to assess its core capacities. This study aims to analyze the evolution of Cameroon’s capacities for IHR implementation between these two assessments.
METHODS:
A documentary review of the official JEE reports from 2017 and 2025 was conducted. The comparison was based on three levels: the number and structure of technical areas and indicators (48 indicators in 2017 versus 56 in 2025); a qualitative analysis of changes in the titles and content of technical areas and indicators; and the evolution of capacity scores (scale from 1 to 5). All 19 IHR technical areas were examined using quantitative indicators complemented by a qualitative analysis of findings.
RESULTS:
Both JEEs are structured around 19 technical areas; however, the 2025 tool reflects a clear methodological deepening, with increased emphasis on functionality, multisectoral integration, sustainability, and equity. Of the 19 technical areas, 11 show an overall improvement in average scores between 2017 and 2025, particularly in IHR coordination, surveillance, vaccination, workforce development, risk communication, and public health emergency management. Six areas remain largely stagnant, while critical domains such as antimicrobial resistance, biosafety and biosecurity, points of entry, and chemical events continue to demonstrate low-capacity levels. In 2025, approximately 40% of indicators show improvement, but fewer than 10% reach a demonstrated capacity level, and no technical area attains sustainable capacity.
CONCLUSIONS:
This comparative analysis highlights a progressive but uneven strengthening of Cameroon’s national capacities under the IHR framework. The findings underscore the need to consolidate gains, reinforce cross-cutting capacities with high systemic impact, and prioritize investments in critical areas to sustainably enhance preparedness, detection, and response to public health emergencies.
As part of its commitment to implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) and strengthening national health security, Cameroon conducted two Joint External Evaluations (JEEs), the first in 2017 and the second in 2025, to assess its core capacities. This study aims to analyze the evolution of Cameroon’s capacities for IHR implementation between these two assessments.
METHODS:
A documentary review of the official JEE reports from 2017 and 2025 was conducted. The comparison was based on three levels: the number and structure of technical areas and indicators (48 indicators in 2017 versus 56 in 2025); a qualitative analysis of changes in the titles and content of technical areas and indicators; and the evolution of capacity scores (scale from 1 to 5). All 19 IHR technical areas were examined using quantitative indicators complemented by a qualitative analysis of findings.
RESULTS:
Both JEEs are structured around 19 technical areas; however, the 2025 tool reflects a clear methodological deepening, with increased emphasis on functionality, multisectoral integration, sustainability, and equity. Of the 19 technical areas, 11 show an overall improvement in average scores between 2017 and 2025, particularly in IHR coordination, surveillance, vaccination, workforce development, risk communication, and public health emergency management. Six areas remain largely stagnant, while critical domains such as antimicrobial resistance, biosafety and biosecurity, points of entry, and chemical events continue to demonstrate low-capacity levels. In 2025, approximately 40% of indicators show improvement, but fewer than 10% reach a demonstrated capacity level, and no technical area attains sustainable capacity.
CONCLUSIONS:
This comparative analysis highlights a progressive but uneven strengthening of Cameroon’s national capacities under the IHR framework. The findings underscore the need to consolidate gains, reinforce cross-cutting capacities with high systemic impact, and prioritize investments in critical areas to sustainably enhance preparedness, detection, and response to public health emergencies.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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