Consumer Health in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, consumer health in Cameroon recorded notable growth, shaped by shifting health perceptions, tightening economic conditions, and the ongoing influence of digital culture. Everyday remedies such as paracetamol remained staple purchases, while strong demand for children’s cough syrups drove a solid performance within paediatric cough, cold, and allergy, particularly for multi-ingredient formulations.
Key trends in 2025
An inflationary environment, persistently above 5%, combined with rising prices of basic commodities and a tense political atmosphere ahead of upcoming elections, intensified price-sensitivity across Cameroon in 2025. This led to a consumer preference for affordable and easily accessible healthcare products, particularly for adults.
Competitive landscape
In 2025, UPSA SAS retained its position as the leading player in consumer health in Cameroon, slightly increasing its share. Its success is driven by a diverse portfolio, spanning core consumer health categories. At the forefront is its flagship brand, Efferalgan, Cameroon’s most extensive paracetamol-based product line, holding 23 marketing authorisations across multiple formulations, including effervescent tablets, capsules, powders, suppositories, and paediatric solutions. This variety enables the brand to cater effectively to a wide range of age groups and medical needs.
Channel developments
Pharmacies continued to lead the consumer health landscape in Cameroon throughout 2025, increasing its share during the year. Its leading position is established in Article 53 of the law dated August 10, 1990. This regulation explicitly prohibits the sale of pharmaceutical products by unauthorised individuals or outside licensed pharmacy premises. It covers virtually all over-the-counter (OTC) categories, including analgesics, cough and cold remedies, digestive products, dermatologicals, vitamins, and formal wound care items. While dietary supplements remain a legal grey area, pharmacies are widely trusted, particularly by middle- to high-income urban consumers, for their adherence to product quality standards and access to professional guidance.
What next for consumer health?
Consumer health in Cameroon is set to expand steadily over the forecast period, driven by a growing emphasis on preventive care, demographic advantages, particularly in the paediatric segment, and improved product accessibility. With over 41% of the population under 15 and a high birth rate of 2.6%, demand for paediatric formulations is expected to remain strong, fuelled by parents’ desire for immediate relief for common childhood ailments such as coughs, colds, digestive discomfort, and pain. Established categories of medications, such as analgesics, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, will continue to experience strong demand as everyday essentials. Additionally, the post-pandemic focus on wellness will continue to support interest in supplements that boost immunity, enhance energy, and reduce stress. This is particularly true for supplements addressing common micronutrient deficiencies, such as Vitamin A, iron, and zinc, which are often worsened by local dietary habits that favour carbohydrate-rich foods and nutrient-depleted smoked proteins.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Consumer Health industry in Cameroon with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Analgesics
- Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies
- Digestive Remedies
- Dermatologicals
- NRT Smoking Cessation Aids
- Sleep Aids
- Eye Care
- Wound Care
- Vitamins
- Dietary Supplements
- Weight Management
- Sports Nutrition
- Herbal/Traditional Products
- Paediatric Consumer Health
If you're in the Consumer Health industry in Cameroon, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Consumer Health in Cameroon report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Consumer Health in Cameroon?
- Which are the leading brands in Consumer Health in Cameroon?
- How are products distributed in Consumer Health in Cameroon?
- How has the regulatory and operating environment for Consumer Health changed in Cameroon?
- How are considerations such as stress, self-medication and shifting consumer lifestyles shaping demand for Consumer Health
- How significant are wider health concerns and consumer awareness in determining sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Consumer Health in Cameroon
Consumer Health in 2025: the big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive landscape
Channel developments
What next for consumer health?
OTC registration and classification
Vitamins and dietary supplements registration and classification
Self-medication/self-care and preventive medicine
Switches
DISCLAIMER
DEFINITIONS
Analgesics in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Adult acetaminophen drives everyday use in a saturated analgesics market
UPSA SAS reinforces its leadership in analgesics while launching tailored innovations
Pharmacies remain the sole legal channel for analgesics, increasing its share in 2025
Retail growth is expected for analgesics, despite policy and structural challenges
Combination medications and new formats are set to shape innovation in analgesics
Import substitution policy could impact access and availability in analgesics
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Demand for paediatric cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies drives growth in 2025
GSK Consumer Healthcare leads while UPSA SAS records the most dynamic performance
Pharmacies retain legal exclusivity in the distribution of cough, cold, and allergy (hay fever) remedies
Structural pressures and demographic demand are set to sustain growth in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies
Ongoing shift toward multi-symptom combination therapies and targeted relief
Herbal cough and cold remedies that align with the health and wellness trend are set to gain ground
Dermatologicals in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Environmental factors and hygiene-related concerns boost demand for dermatologicals
Pierre Fabre Medicament retains its lead through clinician-trusted antifungals and expanding dermo-cosmetics
Pharmacies increase its share while sales from direct selling remain low
Expansion and rising demand for dermatological products is expected to drive growth
Growth is set to benefit from innovative combination therapies and delivery formats
Health, wellness, and beauty trends are set to fuel demand of multifunctional dermatologicals
Digestive Remedies in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Lifestyle and disease patterns sustain demand for digestive remedies in Cameroon
EXPHAR SA retains its lead in digestive remedies, while GlaxoSmithKline records solid growth
Pharmacies continue to lead the distribution of digestive remedies in Cameroon
Formulation-led innovation is set to drive stable growth in digestive remedies
Competition from traditional remedies and cross-category alternatives will remain strong
Formulation strategies will reshape competitive dynamics in digestive remedies
Wound Care in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Regulatory shifts and import growth drive momentum in wound care
Aventis SA retains it lead while generics gain ground and drive growth
Pharmacies dominate formal sales, though informal channels remain in place
Modest but steady growth is expected across the forecast period, driven by basic demand
Opportunity to align with home-based care and preventive health trends
Home-based treatments and illicit sales remain key challenges to overcome
Dietary Supplements in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rising demand for dietary supplements is driven by nutritional gaps and preventive health
Novartis AG retains its lead as Biofar Laboratories captures emerging demand
Pharmacies drive sales of dietry supplements while retail e-commerce lags amid regulatory barriers
Preventive health is expected to fuel demand as convenient formats gain ground
Hybrid innovations are set to combine traditional remedies and modern science
The government drive for import substitution will present both opportunities and challenges
Vitamins in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Preventive health and lifestyle needs drive rising demand for vitamins
Biofar Laboratories retains its lead, offering strong brand equity and lifestyle-driven multivitamins
Pharmacies dominate vitamin distribution as regulatory enforcement limits retail e-commerce sales
Retail sales of vitamins are expected to grow steadily amid shifting health priorities
Innovation in formulations and format is set to drive growth in vitamins
Preventive health is set to remain a core driver behind the demand for vitamins
Weight Management and Wellbeing in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
An appearance-driven culture and social media platforms fuel demand for weight management and wellness
Carimo Empire leads a fragmented and informal competitive landscape
Pharmacies lose ground as social media drives growth in retail e-commerce
Rising health awareness and social media influence are set to boost demand across the forecast period
Low exercise rates and unsafe weight loss practices create oppertunities for growth
The growing integration of health and wellness is expected to support growth
Herbal/Traditional Products in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Cultural, economic, and regulatory shifts support sales during 2025
Forever Living Products International LLC retains its lead while the share of others rises
Pharmacies lead distribution amidst market formalisation for herbal/traditional products
Demand for natural health solutions is set to support sales of herbal/traditional products
Scientific and digital transformation are expected to be key trends driving sales across the forecast period
Legislation has set the foundation for the transformation of herbal/traditional products in Cameroon
Paediatric Consumer Health in Cameroon
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Solid growth is driven by demographics, parental behaviour, and nutritional needs
Afripharma Sarl leads paediatric consumer health, leveraging local production and government support
Pharmacies remain the primary distribution channel as parents prioritise safety
Demographics and rising health awareness is expected to sustain robust growth
There is set to be a shift toward broader paediatric health coverage and combination therapies
Micronutrient deficiencies create strategic opportunities for paediatric supplements in Cameroon
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Consumer Health
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- Adult Mouth Care
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- Adult Acetaminophen
- Adult Aspirin
- Adult Combination Products - Analgesics
- Adult Diclofenac
- Adult Dipyrone
- Adult Ibuprofen
- Adult Ketoprofen
- Adult Naproxen
- Adult OTC Triptans
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Combination Products - Analgesics
- Diclofenac
- Dipyrone
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Naproxen
- OTC Triptans
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- Topical Analgesics/Anaesthetic
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- Sleep Aids
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- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies
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- Nasal Sprays
- Oral Decongestants
- Inhalant Decongestants
- Decongestant Rubs
- Nasal Decongestant Drops
- Nasal Decongestant Plasters
- Medicated Confectionery
- Pharyngeal Preparations
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- Medicated Shampoos
- Topical Antifungals
- Vaginal Antifungals
- Hair Loss Treatments
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Antiparasitics/Lice (Head and Body) Treatments
- Antipruritics
- Cold Sore Treatments
- Haemorrhoid Treatments
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
- Topical Germicidals/Antiseptics
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Diarrhoeal Remedies
- IBS Treatments
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- Antacids
- Antiflatulents
- Digestive Enzymes
- H2 Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Laxatives
- Motion Sickness Remedies
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- Emergency Contraception
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Standard Eye Care
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- NRT Gum
- NRT Inhalators
- NRT Lozenges
- NRT Patches
- Other NRT
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- First Aid Kits
- Gauze, Tape and Other Wound Care
- Sticking Plasters/Adhesive Bandages
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- Protein/Energy Bars
- Sports Protein Powder
- Sports Protein RTD
- Sports Non-Protein Products
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- Combination Dietary Supplements
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- Aloe
- Combination Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Cranberry
- Echinacea
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- St John's Wort
- Other Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
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- Co-Enzyme Q10
- Combination Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Eye Health Supplements
- Fish Oils/Omega Fatty Acids
- Glucosamine
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- Calcium Supplements
- Mineral Supplements
- Probiotic Supplements
- Protein Supplements
- Other Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
- Tonics
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- Multivitamins
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- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Other Single Vitamins
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- Meal Replacement
- OTC Obesity
- Slimming Teas
- Supplement Nutrition Drinks
- Weight Loss Supplements
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- Herbal/Traditional Topical Analgesics
- Herbal/Traditional Sleep Aids
- Herbal/Traditional Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Digestive Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Dermatologicals
- Herbal/Traditional Paediatric Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Tonics
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
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This report originates from Passport, our Consumer Health research and analysis database.
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