Benin publishes its first health sector report and reviews a decade of progress

Benin presented its first national report on the state of the health sector on Tuesday in Cotonou. Developed by the Health Sector Regulatory Authority (ARS) with the support of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), this document provides a structured analysis of the functioning of the health system and the developments recorded over the past years. It highlights the progress achieved, the persistent gaps, and the priorities that need to be strengthened in the years ahead.

For the first time, the country has a reference document that compiles and analyses health system data in detail. Presented at the Palais des Congrès, the report synthesizes ten years of health sector evolution and offers a clear overview of the situation in 2023. According to the authorities, it is a tool meant to better guide public decision-making.

According to the Minister of Health, Prof. Benjamin Hounkpatin, the report provides a comprehensive, rigorous, and objective analysis of Benin's health situation over the past decade. While acknowledging the technical support of WHO experts who assisted in developing the report, as well as the contribution of the National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INSTaD), the Minister stated that the Health Sector Status Report (RAESS) "reflects the Government's commitment, under the enlightened leadership of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Patrice Talon, to ground public policies in evidence-based data and independent assessments, to better guide decisions and strengthen the resilience of our health system."

The Executive Secretary of ARS, Venance Gandaho, explained that the process behind the report "is based on a participatory approach involving the departmental health directorates, local technical teams, and INSTaD for data validation." This first edition, he noted, "provides an overall view that will be useful both to decision-makers and to partners."

The World Health Organization, the technical partner supporting the process, also emphasized the value of the document. "This exercise helps strengthen a culture of analysis and evidence-based decision-making," said Dr. Kouamé Jean Konan, WHO Resident Representative and lead of the health sector's technical and financial partners. He recalled that the current health context marked by demographic growth, chronic diseases, and climate-related vulnerabilities requires planning based on solid data. "Having a regular and comprehensive reading of the health system has become essential," he added.

Speaking on behalf of the technical and financial partners supporting the health sector, Dr. Kouamé Jean Konan reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to accompany the Government of Benin in implementing the recommendations of the report, in a spirit of solidarity, shared responsibility, and collective vision.

The report highlights encouraging trends, including the gradual decline in maternal and child mortality, improved vaccination coverage, reduced incidence and mortality related to priority diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, and investments in several hospitals and health centers. "Efforts made in recent years have helped expand access to essential services," recalled Minister Hounkpatin, citing the commissioning of new infrastructure and the introduction of modern diagnostic equipment.

However, the document also identifies persistent challenges. Funding for the sector remains limited relative to needs, several health facilities require major rehabilitation, and diseases such as malaria and respiratory infections continue to place significant pressure on health services. The report also underscores the need to strengthen the availability of qualified human resources at a time when demand for care is increasing.

"These findings call on all of us, the government, technical and financial partners, civil society, and the private sector to intensify our efforts toward universal, equitable, and sustainable health coverage," concluded Prof. Hounkpatin.

For the ARS President, Dr. Lucien Dossou-Gbété, the report "must now be part of a continuous process." He called for "maintaining efforts in data collection and analysis" to monitor performance more regularly and adjust priorities accordingly. "It is essential to further improve the quality of health data, as it is the key condition for strengthening the system's effectiveness," he stressed.

With this document, Benin takes a major step forward in structuring its health sector governance. Authorities and partners see it as a working tool designed to support future reforms and consolidate progress, with the ultimate goal of sustainably improving access to quality health services for the entire population.