LGBTI in Cameroon: U.S. ends anti-HIV programs, leaving only homophobic clinics

LGBTI Cameroonians suffer from homophobic scorn at clinics that remain.

This Cameroonian woman is a patient at the KIDSS anti-AIDS program, which had been funded by USAID and run by Catholic Relief Services and the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon. (Photo courtesy of CRS)

By Steeves Winner

Several U.S.-supported medical clinics in Cameroon have closed because of the U.S. foreign aid freeze, cutting off LGBTI patients from treatment by staff who have been trained to welcome sexual minorities.

Now, LGBTI patients needing anti-HIV treatment are forced to turn to public and private clinics where staff members often are homophobic. Although they need anti-HIV retroviral medications, many LGBTI Cameroonians are reluctant to subject themselves to homophobic stigmatization at such clinics.

The suspension of American aid to Cameroon is the result of a decree imposed by the Trump administration, which froze funding for major health programs for at least 90 days, including funds the Pepfar anti-HIV/AIDS program and U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).. The freeze, which Republican officials justify as s part of a reassessment of budgetary priorities of the United States, has exposed the vulnerability of local health systems that are dependent on these funds.

In Cameroon, many patients benefit from treatment and monitoring that is supported by U.S. foreign aid. The interruption threatens the continuity of care for patients suffering from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with an increased risk of treatment interruption, particularly among LGBTI people. The funding freeze could also lead to the closure of services specializing in the care of LGBTI people and the disorganization of medical supply chains, jeopardizing years of progress in the fight against these diseases in general and HIV/AIDS in particular.

For health services and care, LGBTI people then will be forced to turn to other clinics where the staff, typically untrained about the realities of LGBTI life, often discriminate against them.

For example, one young LGBTI patientsnamed Yan (a pseudonym for his safety), has experienced mistreatment by the staff at public and private health facilities that are not used to receiving LGBTI patients.

Update: Delay of court rejection of Trump on foreign aid; possible appeal of refugee ruling

“We are victims of judgments, rejections and discrimination,” Yan said. “Some LGBTI people even refuse to go there.”

In contrast, he said, “The [U.S.-supported anti-AIDS] Pepfar project was a godsend for us. We received free, quality health services and care there.”

Steeves Winner, the author of this article, is a Cameroonian activist. Contact him at info@76crimes.com.