Health Minister Urges Citizens to Reject “Lies” About COVID-19 Spread in Cameroon

The Minister of Public Health has reassured citizens that no COVID-19 infections were detected among those entering the country. In a communiqué dated June 28, Minister Manouda Malachie stressed that Cameroon’s health system is resilient and well-prepared to manage any potential resurgence of COVID-19.

He urged the public to remain calm and to disregard the falsehoods circulating on social media, asserting that the situation is under control. This statement came in response to earlier news reports suggesting that individuals entering Cameroon might be carrying COVID-19. Dr. Manouda Malachie emphasised that the epidemiological situation in Cameroon is being closely monitored, following a meeting of the Strategic Council for the Management of Public Health Emergencies concerning the global reemergence of COVID-19.

“Indeed, upon examination of all the results of the tests carried out both at our points of entry and in our health facilities throughout the country, no positive case of COVID-19 was notified, as well as among the 645 pilgrims who returned from Hajj 2024 by the screening system put in place,” he said.

He explained that, according to the current protocol, health personnel conduct systematic testing on anyone arriving at health facilities with flu symptoms, respiratory distress, or any suspected respiratory infection. There is also systematic screening for suspected COVID-19 cases in emergencies. Consultation and hospitalization services are available at all public and commercial health facilities.

“To the Border Health Post teams, the Minister prescribes the strengthening of systematic testing of suspected cases and the voluntary screening of travellers upon arrival in Cameroon, whose passage through the thermal cameras predisposed to this is strongly recommended,” the communiqué stated.

The minister denounced the spread of false information about COVID-19, attributing it to some health professionals who he claims are attempting to exploit the situation for mercantilist purposes at the expense of the public. He warned that while urging caution, he will “spare no effort to punish any possible error,” reassuring the population that “there is no reason to worry about the current situation.”

Mimi Mefo Info