Strengthening Community HIV Testing Strategies in the North Region
From May 26 to 29, 2026, a support and mentoring mission was conducted in several health districts of the North Region as part of the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, funded by PEPFAR and implemented by FHI 360. Coordinated by the Regional Delegate for Public Health, this activity aimed to improve the quality of community interventions in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The mission, carried out with HTS consultants from the Archdiocese of Garoua CBO, covered the Health Districts of Bibemi, Guider, Figuil and Lagdo. It is part of efforts to accelerate the identification of people living with HIV, link them to care services, and initiate them quickly on antiretroviral treatment, in line with national goals for epidemic control.
During field visits, the regional mentors, under the supervision of the Coordinator of RTG North, Dr. MALAMA Toussaint, supported teams in improving high-yield targeted testing strategies, particularly through the optimal application of Index Case Testing (ICT). This approach involves identifying and offering testing to sexual partners, biological children, and other at-risk contacts of people already diagnosed HIV-positive, thereby contributing to better detection of new cases.
Discussions also focused on strengthening the Network Strategy, a community approach that leverages the social and relational networks of individuals at high risk of infection. Participants were sensitized to the importance of confidentiality, informed consent, human rights, and quality counseling in implementing these interventions.
Finally, the mission strengthened the teams’ capacity in performance analysis, data management, and monitoring of key indicators. The recommendations made will help improve active case finding, rapid treatment initiation, and patient retention in care, thus reinforcing Cameroon’s efforts toward achieving the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
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