Cameroon Operational Plan Report Fy 2013

Book excerpt: Cameroon is a lower-middle income country with a population of 20 million representing over 275 ethnic groups. Cameroon's epidemiological profile is dominated by communicable diseases such as malaria and HIV (prevalence of 4.3%, DHS 2011); and an increased prevalence in non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maternal mortality is estimated at 782 per 100,000 live births, while the under-five mortality rate is estimated at 122 per 1,000 live births. Funding for health is approximately 5% of the 2013 budget. In 2010, private spending (out of pocket) accounted for 70.4% of total health expenditure (including 94.5% in the form of direct payments); 13.2% of the funding was provided by external resources; while government funds covered 16.4% of total expenditures on health (World Bank Report on Health and Health Systems in Cameroon, 2012). The significant financial burden on households to finance health care consequently affects access to and use of health services in Cameroon.