On August 12, 2026, Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Manaouda Malachie, made remarks about dementia that have drawn widespread criticism. During a public event, he suggested that dementia is a 'disease of the rich' and that poor people are less likely to suffer from it. The comments were quickly condemned by health experts and citizens on social media.
Medical professionals in Cameroon and abroad have refuted the minister's claims, emphasizing that dementia is a complex neurological condition that affects people across all socioeconomic backgrounds. The World Health Organization notes that dementia is a global health priority, with over 55 million people living with the condition worldwide.
The backlash has led to calls for the minister to retract his statement and apologize. Some opposition figures have demanded his resignation, while others have urged the government to focus on improving mental health services in the country.
As of August 13, 2026, Minister Malachie has not publicly responded to the criticism. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the state of mental health care in Cameroon and the need for accurate public health messaging.
