Yaoundé, December 29, 2025 – A significant milestone in Cameroon’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and social protection was marked as Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irène NGUENE, presided over the provisional handover of Phase 1 renovations at the Cardinal Paul Emile LEGER National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities (CNRPH). This ceremony signals a transformative upgrade for a facility poised to become a regional center of excellence.
The renovation of the CNRPH is far more than a simple infrastructure project; it is a strategic, forward-looking investment in national resilience and human dignity. Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Minas), the project’s core mission is to radically densify and diversify specialized care. This expansion directly addresses critical, modern challenges: the management of complex sports injuries, the devastating aftermath of road traffic accidents—a leading cause of disability in Cameroon—and the orthopedic, trauma, and psychosocial needs arising from mass casualty events, including potential terrorist incidents. The vision is to create an integrated hub where advanced orthopedic surgery, polyfunctional rehabilitation (addressing physical, cognitive, and sensory needs), and comprehensive psychosocial care converge under one roof.
Phase 1 of this ambitious project has delivered substantial physical upgrades. The completed work includes the construction and rehabilitation of several key structures: a modern Administration building (R+3), a dedicated Hospitalization building (R+2), and a Medico-technical building (R+2) to house advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Supporting infrastructure, such as a single-story on-call residence for staff, new access roads, retaining walls, water drainage systems, parking, and green spaces, has also been established to create a functional and accessible campus.
Minister NGUENE’s hands-on approach during the site visit underscored the government’s emphasis on quality. Her guided tour involved detailed inspections of operational mechanisms, equipment standards, and direct consultations with project technicians. This scrutiny ensures the renovated facilities meet the high standards required for specialized disability care and rehabilitation.
Following the inspection, the Minister formally signed the provisional handover report in the CNRPH conference room, officially transferring responsibility for the Phase 1 structures. This paves the way for equipping and commissioning these units. The project’s momentum continues, with Phase 2 slated for handover in 2026, which will further complete this transformative vision.
The CNRPH’s role is of paramount importance. Located in the Etoug-Ebé neighborhood of Yaoundé, it serves as the secular arm of the Cameroonian state for the holistic care of disability, a benchmark not only nationally but for the wider Central African region. Its services are comprehensive, spanning psychosocial support, advanced medico-technical interventions, specialized educational programs, and crucially, socio-professional reintegration—a service that moves beyond treatment to empower individuals with disabilities to re-engage with society and the economy as active participants.
This renovation represents a profound shift from basic care to a model of excellence and inclusion. By building a facility capable of handling complex, modern trauma alongside lifelong rehabilitation needs, Cameroon is strengthening its social safety net and affirming the rights and potential of all its citizens. The new CNRPH stands as a concrete symbol of progress toward a more accessible and equitable society.
Report by Ericien Pascal