The Minister of Public Health,
Government representatives here present,
Representatives of WHO,
Representatives of UNAIDS,
Representatives of UNICEF,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Morning.  I am honored to join you all in launching the Cameroon Population-based HIV Impact Assessment 2024, also known as CAMPHIA 2024, alongside Minister Manaouda.  This occasion marks a significant milestone for both the U.S. and Cameroonian governments as well as our other partners as we officially commence this nationwide initiative.

CAMPHIA 2024 promises to transform our collective understanding of the HIV epidemic in Cameroon, much like it did six years ago.

Since CAMPHIA 2018, and especially since I arrived here as Ambassador in March 2022, I have repeatedly witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts of doctors, nurses, community health workers, and so many other people across the country in identifying and treating people living with HIV, even in the most remote areas.

We also know, however, that admiration alone for the good work already completed is not going to achieve our collective goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.  It is crucial for us to assess the current state of the HIV epidemic to forge a more effective path forward towards that objective.

As I emphasized at the launch of the National Pediatric HIV Surge in April, where we were similarly honored by Minister Manaouda’s presence, achieving this goal before 2030 is not merely aspirational but a realistic ambition driven by Cameroonians’ unwavering determination.

Collaborating closely with the Government of Cameroon to enhance health outcomes has been a cornerstone of United States’ priorities here for decades.  Our partnership with government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society spans all ten regions, and this partnership has allowed us to make remarkable strides in combatting HIV in Cameroon.  And those of you who have heard me speak previously on this topic know that I am always pleased to highlight that Cameroon is on track to achieve epidemic control of HIV by 2030, potentially becoming the first country in West Central Africa to attain this coveted status.

However, there is still work to be done and we cannot afford to be complacent. We must maintain our momentum and substantiate our efforts with robust data.  This is where CAMPHIA 2024 comes in, as it will provide gold-standard data that public health experts can then use to evaluate what works and what doesn’t, and to guide the next phase of the fight.

The United States Government is proud to have funded CAMPHIA 2024 through our PEPFAR program, with an investment exceeding 11 billion CFA francs.  And while that figure may seem impressive, money alone cannot get the job done.

The success of CAMPHIA 2024 will equally arise from the collaborative partnership driving it.  The leadership of the Ministry of Public Health and the National Institute of Statistics has ensured that this initiative remains Cameroon-owned and Cameroon-led.  Moreover, our support to the Cameroon Baptist Convention underscores our commitment to localization.  CDC and ICAP at Columbia University are providing technical expertise in designing and implementing the assessment, while other Cameroonian government ministries and civil society organizations are contributing significantly to community engagement and communication strategies across Cameroon.

In short, the CAMPHIA is a major undertaking that will require a lot of effort from a lot of people.  Or, to paraphrase a common African proverb, it will take our entire HIV-focused village.

And that village is expansive.  Everyone here with us today, and those you work with, and all the Cameroonians who will read about this event in the newspapers tomorrow, need to spread awareness among your families, friends, and communities about CAMPHIA 2024.  Community engagement will be pivotal in ensuring broad understanding of the initiative’s purpose and significance.

CAMPHIA 2024 also presents a unique opportunity to conduct HIV testing for nearly 30,000 people across all 10 regions of Cameroon.  People who test positive will be linked to immediate access to life-saving HIV treatment.  This assessment will also yield reliable estimates of viral load suppression in the population, which is the ultimate gauge of progress in the national HIV response. The project is also serving as a springboard for strengthening national public health institutions, including the National Public Health Laboratory and a vast network of satellite labs around the country.

Over the years, the United States has invested nearly 400 billion CFA francs in Cameroon through PEPFAR, driven by our belief in the achievable progress against HIV/AIDS and in strengthening Cameroon’s health system.  Cameroon, in turn, has delivered, and I am confident it will continue to exceed expectations in the years ahead.