Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR): a case study from Cameroon

Overview

Cameroon engaged in the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) in January 2023, becoming the seventh country to complete its national review phase. The process culminated in a high-level mission in October 2024, conducted under the very high patronage of H.E. the Prime Minister, Head of Government, and coordinated by the Minister of Public Health, reflecting strong national ownership and high-level political commitment to health security preparedness. The mission brought together senior government officials, parliamentarians, development partners and civil society representatives to strengthen national health security through political leadership and multisectoral collaboration.

This country case study documents Cameroon's experience in implementing the UHPR, highlighting the role of the national One Health platform, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Office, in fostering whole-of-government engagement, strengthening coordination and advancing national priorities for health emergency preparedness. It also illustrates how the UHPR helped elevate health security on the political agenda and supported resource mobilization, including approximately US$23 million secured through the Pandemic Fund to strengthen One Health capacities.

The case study examines challenges related to the duration of the review process, methodological adaptation and resource availability, and presents lessons learned and recommendations to improve UHPR implementation. Cameroon's experience highlights the importance of sustained political commitment, multisectoral governance, predictable financing and international cooperation in translating national health security priorities into action.