Accessibility to primary health care services in the Buea municipality, Cameroon: Stakes and challenges for an emerging society

Primary health care is essential for promoting healthcare, preventing diseases, and reducing disparities in healthcare services. Buea, the capital city of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, faces significant challenges in accessing quality primary health care (PHC) despite government efforts and the 1974 Decentralization Law aimed at promoting equitable healthcare in the municipality. This research poses a question: «how far does accessibility to PHC influence the health of the local population of the Buea municipality? ». The objective is to investigate the extent to which accessibility to PHC impacts the health of the local population. The hypothesis states that the population of Buea municipality faces significant challenges in accessing PHC. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires, and interview guides from some 105 respondents in 07 health areas. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings, presented using tables, graphs, and pie charts created with Excel software 22 version, revealed significant disparities of about 80% in healthcare infrastructure, personnel shortages, financial constraints, and long travel distances that limit healthcare utilization and adversely affect health outcomes of the residents. The study recommends expanding healthcare infrastructure, improving transportation, enhancing human resource capacity, implementing financial support mechanisms, and strengthening local governance to address these barriers.