Cameroon
The Republic of Cameroon is situated in West Africa and is home to more than 26 million people. Generally, the country is more politically and economically stable than other countries in the region. However, families are in need of support as they continue to face important challenges. Economic crises and conflicts in neighbouring countries have repeatedly affected the lives of Cameroonians, as many refugees come here, especially in the northern and eastern areas of the country.
Malnutrition, the lack of education and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS are severe problems in Cameroon, which tend to be especially challenging for children in the country.
SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it in Cameroon since 1998.
Children are at risk
There are many problems regarding health and children are particularly affected. In terms of malnutrition, many children in Cameroon do not receive enough nutritious food – the situation has worsened over the last decade, affecting children's physical development. More than 420,000 children have lost their parents to AIDS. These children often have to take care of sick relatives or become the main breadwinners. Although this is illegal, many children are forced to work and only 60% of children complete primary school.
52%
Of people in Cameroon don’t have access to sanitation
Many families live in poverty
While the economic situation in Cameroon has been improving, the population is growing faster than poverty is decreasing – around 8 million people are still very poor. Families in the rural northern and eastern regions are particularly affected. They often face a lack of job opportunities and declining incomes. In addition, many people do not have access to safe drinking water and many are lacking sanitation facilities. This contributes to the spread of diseases that are particularly dangerous for children, such as the recent outbreaks of cholera.
4 in 10
Children in Cameroon don’t complete primary school
Quality education is not accessible
Access to education has become easier for children in Cameroon. However, there are still challenges. Although primary school enrolment rates are quite high, 4 out of 10 children do not complete primary school. In rural Cameroon, families live very remotely and schools are far away, meaning that many children have to travel long distances every day if they are to have access to education at all. Additionally, boys and girls often do not have the same educational opportunities, which increases inequality.
420,000
Cameroonian children lost their parents to HIV
Children without parental care
While the number of infections has been falling, around 3% of Cameroon’s population still lives with HIV. Many children are directly affected, as prevention of mother-to-child- transmission cannot be guaranteed for everyone, especially in rural areas where medical services are scarce. Many more children are indirectly affected when their parents fall ill. In fact, around 420,000 children are estimated to be without parental care due to HIV/AIDS. Left to fend for themselves, these children are extremely vulnerable to malnutrition, disease and poverty.
Together we can make a difference for children in Cameroon
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110
Families
Can stay together
610
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
280
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
10
Medical treatments
Were possible
180
Children
Grow up in our care
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110
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
