U.S. Government Donates Equipment Worth over 195 million CFA ($357,000) to the Cameroon National Public Health Laboratory
Yaoundé, Cameroon— On June 9, 2022, Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora presented equipment and supplies procured by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Cameroon’s National Public Health Laboratory in the presence of Minister of Public Health Manaouda Malachie. The donation estimated at CFA 153,307,000 ($275,000) includes an ultra-modern generator for electrical power backup at the national laboratory and a GeneXpert® automated molecular testing platform to enhance detection of pathogens and reduce the time to receive results from an average of 24 hours to approximately two hours.
Accompanied by CDC Country Director Dr. Emily Kainne Dokubo, Ambassador Lamora toured the National Public Health Laboratory, which was renovated by CDC in 2016 and receives ongoing technical support by the U.S. Government to strengthen the country’s laboratory system. The National Public Health Laboratory coordinates laboratory testing, quality control, and quality assurance programs for all reference and sub-national laboratories, conducts trainings for laboratory staff, and works in collaboration with clinical programs to provide quality services for Cameroonians.
On June 8, 2022, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), represented by USAID Senior Global Health Security Agenda Advisor Dr. Donatien Ntakarutimana, donated laboratory equipment for COVID-19 estimated at CFA 45,000,000 ($82,000) to the National Public Health Laboratory as well. This equipment, funded by the American Rescue Plan, will enhance diagnostic capacity for COVID-19 and storage capacity for samples intended for genomic sequencing.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has provided around CFA 12 billion ($22 million) in health assistance and expert technical support for Cameroon Ministry of Health’s response efforts. This donation is aimed at strengthening laboratory capacity in Cameroon and is part of the United States’ continuous commitment to support Cameroon’s health systems and improve global health.