As part of the first phase of the national LLINs 2025 campaign for the free distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), held from 16 to 31 December 2025 in seven regions of Cameroon, the country has taken an important step towards integrating equity into the fight against malaria. In response to a letter sent on 23 July 2025 by civil society organisations calling for vulnerable communities to be included as targets of the campaign, the Minister of Public Health, who is also the Chair of the Coordination Committee, authorised the inclusion of orphanages as a priority beneficiary group for this phase.

Reiterating this decision during his press briefing at the official launch of the LLINs 2025 campaign on 15 December 2025, the Minister of Public Health recognised the particular vulnerability of children living in orphanages, who have limited access to malaria prevention measures. It also demonstrates the commitment of the health authorities to not leaving any population behind in the fight against this disease, which remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon.

Thanks to this measure, the seven regions covered by Phase 1 of the LLINs 2025 campaign — including the four districts implementing the Equité Accès Palu project — were authorised to include orphanages in their areas when planning and implementing distribution operations.

A total of 130 LLINs kits were distributed among 10 orphanages, as follows:

  • Doumé Health District (15 kits in one orphanage);
  • Mifi Health District (67 kits in seven orphanages);
  • Maroua 3 Health District (eight kits in one orphanage);
  • Mokolo Health District (40 kits in one orphanage).

This action will improve LLINs coverage in these care facilities and enhance protection for children against mosquito bites, which carry malaria.

Civil society welcomes this highly strategic and humane decision, which highlights the importance of constructive dialogue between public authorities and community stakeholders. Civil society also reaffirms its willingness to support the government and its technical partners in effectively implementing this measure to ensure its impact and sustainability.

By prioritising orphanages in the LLINs 2025 campaign, Cameroon is demonstrating its commitment to health equity and the protection of vulnerable children. This will contribute to achieving national and international malaria control goals.