Why Us!

Why invest in the future of Cameroon through CAMAAY

As a grassroot organization with over 10 years of experience in socio-economic development we have witnessed the progress but also the need to do not just more, but better. We need your help to tackle some of the most persistent challenges in health, education and infrastructure.

Health

Limited Health Education
Many communities lack basic knowledge about disease prevention. Only 57% of children in Cameroon are fully immunized against diseases like measles and polio. In rural areas, this number is even lower, leaving many susceptible to preventable diseases.

Maternal and Child Health
Cameroon has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Central Africa, with approximately 596 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Child mortality is also concerning, with 79 deaths per 1,000 live births. Improving maternal and child health through targeted projects is crucial.

Weak Public Health Infrastructure
Although Cameroon has over 3,400 health facilities, many are poorly equipped, especially in rural areas. Over 70% of Cameroon’s population lives in rural areas, often far from healthcare facilities. This lack of access leads to delays in treatment and preventable deaths. Only 5.8% of health spending goes to rural healthcare, highlighting the disparity between urban and rural healthcare access.

Inadequate Government Investment
Preventive health is significantly underfunded. Only 4.5% of Cameroon’s national budget is allocated to health, and a fraction of that goes to preventive care. This low investment limits the country’s capacity to implement large-scale immunization campaigns, sanitation programs, and health education initiatives.

High Prevalence of Preventable Diseases
Preventable diseases like malaria, respiratory infections, and malnutrition continue to drive high mortality rates. Malaria alone accounts for 30% of outpatient consultations and 40% of hospital admissions. Despite the availability of preventive measures, the country’s malaria prevention efforts reach only about 35% of households with insecticide-treated bed nets.

Education

Vocational and Technical Education (TVET)
With a youth unemployment rate of 35%, many young people lack marketable skills. Only 14% of youth have access to vocational education, highlighting the need for more TVET programs to improve employability.

Entrepreneurship Education
70% of youth are interested in starting businesses, yet many lack the skills or capital. Entrepreneurial education can help foster self-employment and reduce reliance on limited formal jobs.

Health Education
16.5% of adolescents in Cameroon experience teenage pregnancies, while 30% of outpatient visits are due to malaria. Health education can significantly reduce these issues by promoting awareness of sexual health, disease prevention, and hygiene.

Environmental Education and Climate Change Awareness
With 60% of the population dependent on agriculture, climate change is a significant threat. Environmental education can equip youth to address sustainability issues and protect natural resources for the future.

Digital Literacy and ICT Skills
20% of the population has internet access, but the digital economy is growing. Teaching digital skills like coding and digital marketing is crucial for youth to engage in the modern workforce, as 85% of businesses now use digital tools.

Life Skills and Soft Skills Development
30% of youth lack access to soft skills training. Programs focused on communication, leadership, and critical thinking can improve employability and personal development.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
38% of girls do not complete primary education, and only 20% of women access higher education. Gender-focused education programs can close these gaps, empowering girls and women for greater societal participation.

Civic Education and Leadership Training
Youth represent 60% of the population, yet only 20% are involved in community decision-making. Civic education and leadership programs can inspire youth to actively participate in governance and social issues.

Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
Youth make up over 60% of the population in conflict-affected regions. Peacebuilding programs can help reduce tensions and encourage youth to play an active role in promoting unity and resolving conflicts.

Sports and Physical Education
Only 40% of schools have structured sports programs. Investing in sports education can improve physical health, teamwork, and provide opportunities for professional sports careers.

Infrastructure

Sustainable energy:
Cameroon, with only 55% of its population having access to electricity, especially in rural areas, urgently needs household solar projects to reduce dependence on expensive and harmful energy sources like kerosene and charcoal, and to provide a sustainable, clean energy alternative, leveraging its 4.5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day of solar potential.

Sustainable food:
On a household level, Cameroon faces significant sanitation challenges. Around 60% of the population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas. Many households rely on pit latrines or septic tanks, while open defecation remains common, especially in rural regions.

Internet access:
Cameroon has an internet penetration rate of approximately 60% of the population as of recent estimates. However, there is significant disparity in access between urban and rural areas, with urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala having better connectivity compared to remote regions. The country has been making strides to improve digital infrastructure, but challenges such as high costs, unreliable connectivity, and limited access to devices continue to hinder broader internet access, especially in rural areas. Additionally, the average mobile internet speed in Cameroon is around 11 Mbps, which is relatively low compared to global standards. This is a showstopper for the youth to become digital citizens of the world.

Sanitation:
On a household level, Cameroon faces significant sanitation challenges. Around 60% of the population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities, particularly in rural areas. Many households rely on pit latrines or septic tanks, while open defecation remains common, especially in rural regions.