Cameroon is intensifying efforts to improve birth registration for children, addressing a significant gap in legal identity that affects millions. The initiative, supported by UNICEF, aims to ensure that every child receives a birth certificate, a crucial document for accessing education and public services. In 2024, the municipality of Garoua 2 was recognized as Cameroon’s Citizenship Champion for its successful registration campaigns, which have made strides in a country where over 1.5 million children are enrolled in primary school without official documentation, according to the Ministry of Basic Education.
Challenges in Registration
Parents are required to register births within 90 days at no cost, but delays complicate the process. After this period, families face legal hurdles that can be costly and time-consuming. Aissatou Bouba, a mother from Garoua 2, shared her experience of being unable to register her eldest child, which led to school exclusion. However, her youngest child was registered immediately at a health facility, highlighting the potential for streamlined processes. Anna Enanga epse Itoe, head of the civil status bureau in Tiko, emphasized the long-term consequences of lacking a birth certificate, stating,
If a child stays without a birth certificate, the child will not have admission into secondary school.
Government and UNICEF Collaboration
The Cameroonian government, in partnership with UNICEF, is working to simplify the registration process and increase awareness among parents. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance child protection and ensure that every child has access to essential services. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to addressing the legal identity crisis that has persisted in the country.
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The expansion of birth registration in Cameroon is likely to improve access to education and public services for millions of children, potentially increasing future workforce participation and economic productivity. Investors will watch for the upcoming report on the effectiveness of these registration initiatives and their impact on child education metrics in Cameroon.