CRS History in Cameroon

The central African nation of Cameroon, situated on the Gulf of Guinea, shares border with Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon gained independence from France in 1960 and the country was fully unified with its former British territory in 1961. The president of Cameroon since independence, Ahmadou Ahidjo, was replaced in 1982 by Prime Minister Paul Biya, who has been the head of state since.

Although Cameroon is a country rich in natural resources such as oil and lumber, approximately 40 percent of Cameroonians live below the poverty line. Endemic corruption prevents the distribution of wealth, causing widespread poverty and suffering. The health care system in Cameroon is not sufficient to provide for all Cameroonians. As a result, life expectancy is only 46 years. The spread of HIV has further compounded these health issues and has led to an increasing number of orphans who are not adequately protected under national law.

Catholic Relief Services has been working in Cameroon since 1961, with an office in the capital city of Yaoundé. CRS supports projects throughout the country, working through local partners and adapting programs continually to the changing circumstances of the government and the needs of the Cameroonian people, as well as those who seek refuge here. CRS Cameroon is also responsible for overseeing programming in Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea.