Intersectoral collaboration for healthier human settlements: perceptions and experiences from stakeholders in Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

This study explored expert stakeholder perspectives on health and housing challenges in Douala, Cameroon, as well as their experiences of intersectoral collaboration to address these challenges. Fifteen stakeholders with expertise in the health or human settlement sectors were interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth interview guide. Stakeholders understood the linkage between poor housing conditions and increased risk of water- and vector-borne diseases but showed little appreciation of non-communicable disease risks, such as respiratory ailments, associated with built environments. Experiences of intersectoral collaboration were limited; centred around specific events, disaster management, or health awareness initiatives. Key barriers were sector silos and complex communication channels. Our findings highlight the need to broaden stakeholder and community understanding of the relationship between non-communicable diseases and inadequate housing, a re-imagination of governance structures to support intersectoral collaboration, and a need for more transdisciplinary research partnerships working with policymakers to contribute to the design of intersectoral action for health in ways that integrate existing evidence and incorporate health impact evaluations.

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