The sudden suspension of USAID funding by U.S. President Donald Trump has left hundreds of health workers in Bamenda jobless, abruptly halting crucial healthcare services, particularly for HIV/AIDS patients. The impact of this decision has been deeply felt, with many workers dismissed overnight and others uncertain about their future.
One affected worker, who requested anonymity, recounted the abruptness of the decision:
“The U.S. made the announcement, and the next day, we were relieved from our duties.”
This swift action not only disrupted livelihoods but also put at risk thousands of vulnerable patients who relied on USAID-supported services for their treatment.
The funding suspension particularly hit projects implemented by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) in Bamenda and other parts of the North West Region. These projects, which included the provision of antiretroviral therapy, HIV testing, and psychosocial support for patients, were primarily supported through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). CBCHS had been a major partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Cameroon, operating multiple treatment centres and outreach programmes.
Another affected worker described the uncertainty of their situation
“We have been given a three-month suspension but advised to look for other jobs because there is no guarantee we will return to work after the three months.”
This uncertainty has forced many former employees to seek alternative means of survival, with some venturing into small businesses despite lacking entrepreneurial experience.
The suspension has also directly impacted the Bamenda Regional Hospital, where some of the affected workers had been managing HIV/AIDS patients.
"We were called and asked to go home. We have been lingering around because of the hospital management’s wish for us to continue working, but there is no funding to sustain us.” A former employee explained
Without USAID funding, the hospital is struggling to maintain its HIV/AIDS services, leaving patients in a precarious situation.
The decision to cut USAID funding has sparked widespread concern among healthcare professionals and local authorities. The U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher J. Lamora, had previously expressed commitment to supporting health projects in Cameroon during his visit to the North West and South West regions in July 2022. His tour of PEPFAR-supported facilities, including the Baptist Hospital Mutengene, highlighted the importance of U.S. support in sustaining the country’s HIV/AIDS response. At the time, he praised the work being done and assured continued collaboration. However, the abrupt suspension of funding has contradicted these assurances, leaving many questioning the long-term reliability of U.S. support.
The Cameroonian Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, also addressed the issue in a press release, acknowledging the significant gap left by USAID’s withdrawal. While reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining healthcare services, he admitted that the loss of U.S. funding posed a major challenge, particularly for programmes targeting vulnerable populations.
USAID has played a crucial role in Cameroon since its establishment in 1961 providing over 776 billion CFA as at November 2021 as the institution celebrated 60 years of existence, with investments spanning healthcare, infrastructure, education, and governance. Over the years, the agency has contributed significantly to the fight against diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, funding treatment centres, drug supplies, and training programmes for healthcare workers. The recent suspension marks one of the most disruptive setbacks in Cameroon’s heahealthcare delivery infrastructure.
As a result of the funding cuts, several USAID-supported projects in the region have either been halted or significantly downsized. Among them are the HIV-Free project and other health initiatives run by CBCHS, which had previously received substantial financial and technical support from the U.S. government. With funding now in limbo, many patients are left without access to critical medications and support services, heightening fears of a resurgence in HIV/AIDS-related complications.
Meanwhile, the affected workers are struggling to rebuild their lives. With limited job opportunities in Bamenda, many have turned to petty trade and other informal economic activities to survive.
“I never thought I would be selling these things, but I have no choice. I have a family to feed.” lamented one former health worker pointing at some goods before her.
The situation remains dire, with no clear indication of whether USAID funding will be reinstated. For now, both the healthcare system and the affected workers are left to navigate an uncertain future, hoping for a resolution that will restore critical services and livelihoods.
By Bakah Derick
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