Unlocking Access to Care: Promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Cards in Benin

In Benin, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) cards have been available since 2022 to ensure that the poorest members of the population can access essential health services. Yet, a lack of awareness has prevented many from fully utilizing this life-changing resource.

Dr. Yokossi Saï, a medical coordinator in the Natitingou-Boukombé-Toucountouna (NBT) health zone in the department of Atacora, observed that many eligible citizens were unaware of how to use their UHC cards. “While the cards allow access to care that was previously out of reach for the most disadvantaged, many people did not know what to do with them, which created unnecessary barriers,” he explained.

Bridging the gap through awareness

To address this issue, the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)-led, USAID Benin Health Systems Strengthening Project (PReSS) partnered with the National Agency for Social Protection to conduct a community-focused awareness campaign. The initiative supported health workers to engage their local elected officials – including mayors and town counselors – during information sessions to address misunderstandings and ensure accurate information about the cards reached the people who needed it most. Following these sessions and to allow for better coordination, healthcare workers supported by PReSS are now communicating verified information to local stakeholders through routine memos.

MSH staff conduct a working session with the health team at the Korontiere Health Centre. Photo credit: Adekounle Agumon Alexandre Alovokpinhou

Between July and August 2024, information sessions were held across all 199 villages in the NBT health zone, reaching 5,611 people. Healthcare workers also leveraged opportunities like antenatal consultations and vaccination campaigns to raise awareness and educate communities on the importance and functionality of the UHC card.

The impact of this work was immediate: at the Korontiere health center in Boukombé, patient consultations increased from just 3 in the first two years of the UHC program, to 70 between July and September 2024, when PReSS helped conduct these locally led information sessions.

This success has inspired local and departmental leaders to expand the initiative, focusing on the most vulnerable populations to ensure access to care.