Attacks on healthcare services in Cameroon's Far North region declined sharply in 2025, but ongoing insecurity continues to disrupt medical care in one of the country's most vulnerable regions.
The Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC) recorded eight incidents during the year, down from 18 in 2024 and nine in 2023, according to its report released on July 10, 2026.
The improvement remains fragile, however, as attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to undermine healthcare delivery. Rural communities have been hit hardest, facing weak health infrastructure, staff shortages, and repeated displacement caused by the conflict.
Mayo-Tsanaga Still Accounts for Half of All Incidents
The most significant improvement was recorded in the Mayo-Sava department, where no attacks on healthcare services were reported in 2025, compared with five the previous year. Incidents also declined in Mayo-Tsanaga, although the department still accounted for half of all documented attacks in the region.
Most of the incidents involved health facilities raided by armed groups identified mainly as Boko Haram or ISWAP fighters. The attacks resulted in the theft of vaccines, medicines, medical equipment, solar panels, and roofing materials.
Some healthcare facilities were also vandalized, burned, or destroyed during broader attacks on villages. Those assaults were often accompanied by kidnappings, civilian killings, and cattle theft.
Health Workers and Children Kidnapped
In the Logone-et-Chari department, the coalition reported that healthcare workers and members of their families were abducted after clashes between Cameroonian security forces and ISWAP fighters.
According to the report, ISWAP militants armed with rifles kidnapped two healthcare workers and two children from their home after withdrawing from the area following fighting with Cameroonian forces at a security post in Logone-et-Chari.
Beyond the immediate loss of medical equipment, such attacks weaken the healthcare workforce, disrupt vaccination campaigns, and sometimes force health facilities to reduce or suspend their operations.
Fewer Attacks, but Healthcare Access Remains Under Pressure
Access to healthcare remains limited in remote communities because of damaged infrastructure, insecurity along transport routes, and recurring population displacement. Disease outbreaks, including malaria and yellow fever, have further increased demand for medical services.
Against a backdrop of food insecurity and significant humanitarian needs, weaknesses in the healthcare system continue to contribute to high rates of preventable disease and mortality, particularly among children and pregnant women.
While the decline in attacks during 2025 is an encouraging sign, it does not mean healthcare services are permanently secure. Across several parts of Cameroon's Far North, the continued presence of armed groups still determines where, when, and under what conditions medical care can be delivered.
Thierry Christophe Yamb