The Excluded Population: Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Health in Cameroon

Abstract

The right to health has gained international recognition. The Pygmies and Mbororo of Cameroon are yet to enjoy this right. The right to health is relatively related to and dependent upon the realization of other human rights as explicated in the International Bill of Rights as they form an integral part of the right to health. Despite some noticeable strides made by the government of Cameroon in ensuring that healthcare facilities are available and accessible within every five kilometres nationwide, these services are limited to urban cities, making it difficult for indigenous populations to access. The absence of a legal framework to safeguard the right to health for the population and indigenous peoples in particular, hinders their access to modern healthcare systems. It concludes that government must demonstrate a political will in ensuring equality in healthcare in the country to help remove indigenous peoples at the margin of social structures.