USAID Supports Local Ownership in Promoting Lifesaving HIV/AIDS Work to Children and Families in Cameroon

Yaoundé, Cameroon – The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), officially transferred management responsibilities of HIV/AIDS lifesaving services to the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC).  Supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID, the activity entitled Key Interventions to Develop Systems and Services (KIDSS) for Orphans and Vulnerable Children will continue to reinforce local capacity to sustain HIV epidemic control.  This achievement marks the first major milestone in efforts to gradually transition management of HIV/AIDS resources to the NECC.

The handover ceremony was held on Thursday, June 3 at the Archdiocese complex.  Attendees included Archbishop Joseph Atanga of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bertoua, USAID/Cameroon’s Country Representative Paul Richardson, Bertoua’s Mayor Jean Marie Dimbele, and CRS Country Representative Caroline Agalheir.  Paul Richardson commented on the significance of the event, noting:

“The U.S. government remains committed to supporting Cameroonians with a range of services that touch on health, education, socio-economic needs and improving the overall well-being of children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.” 

Since 2014, USAID and CRS have provided critical services to over 60,000 children and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS through the KIDSS activity.  As part of the agreement, CRS must gradually transition management and oversight responsibilities to a Cameroonian organization to promote local ownership and support sustainability.  Since January 2020, CRS has supported the NECC to become ready to take on the additional responsibilities.  Today’s event specifically transfers KIDSS’ management responsibilities in the East and Adamaoua Regions from CRS to the NECC.  The entire program will be transitioned to the NECC by fiscal year 2023.

For more information about USAID’s impact in Cameroon, please visit www.usaid.gov/cameroon.