Benin has published its first national report on the state of the health sector, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen evidence-based health governance. Presented on Tuesday in Cotonou, the report was developed by the Health Sector Regulatory Authority (ARS) with support from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides a detailed and structured analysis of the functioning of the health system, the progress made over the last ten years, the remaining gaps, and the priority areas that require further investment.
Presented at the Palais des Congrès, this inaugural document compiles and analyses a decade of health sector data, offering a clear picture of Benin’s health landscape in 2023. Authorities emphasized that the report will serve as a key tool for guiding public policies and decision-making in the years ahead. The Minister of Health, Prof. Benjamin Hounkpatin, described the report as a comprehensive, rigorous, and objective assessment of Benin’s health situation over the past decade. He acknowledged the technical support provided by WHO experts and the contribution of the National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INSTaD). According to him, the Health Sector Status Report reflects the Government’s commitment—under the leadership of President Patrice Talon—to basing public policies on reliable data and independent evaluations to strengthen the resilience of the national health system.
ARS Executive Secretary Venance Gandaho highlighted that the report was developed through a participatory process involving departmental health directorates, local technical teams, and INSTaD, ensuring the validation and accuracy of the data. He emphasized that this first edition offers a broad and necessary perspective for both national decision-makers and international partners.
The World Health Organization, which served as the technical partner throughout the process, reaffirmed the value of this analytical exercise. Dr. Kouamé Jean Konan, WHO Resident Representative, stressed that routine, in-depth examination of the health system has become indispensable in a context marked by rapid demographic growth, rising chronic diseases, and climate-related vulnerabilities. He noted that the report strengthens the culture of evidence-based planning, which is essential for adapting the health system to evolving needs.
Speaking on behalf of the health sector’s technical and financial partners, Dr. Konan reiterated their commitment to supporting the Government of Benin in implementing key recommendations outlined in the report. He emphasized the principles of solidarity, shared responsibility, and collective action as guiding forces in this collaboration.
The report documents several positive trends achieved over the past decade. These include a gradual reduction in maternal and child mortality, improvements in vaccination coverage, and a decrease in the incidence and mortality rates associated with priority diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS. It also highlights significant investments in hospital infrastructure, health centers, and modern diagnostic equipment, which have collectively expanded access to essential health services.
Despite these achievements, the report identifies critical challenges that continue to affect the performance of the health sector. Limited financial resources, insufficient rehabilitation of aging health facilities, and the continued burden of diseases such as malaria and respiratory infections put pressure on the system. Additionally, the report draws attention to the urgent need for more qualified health professionals at a time when demand for healthcare is steadily rising. Minister Hounkpatin emphasized that these challenges call for renewed effort from government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to advance universal, equitable, and sustainable health coverage.
For ARS President Dr. Lucien Dossou-Gbété, the publication of this report must mark the beginning of a sustained process. He underscored the importance of maintaining regular data collection and carrying out continuous analysis to track performance and adjust strategies accordingly. Improving the quality of health data, he said, is essential to strengthening the overall effectiveness of the system.
With this first comprehensive health sector report, Benin takes a major step forward in reinforcing structured governance and long-term planning in the health sector. Authorities and partners view the document as a foundational tool to inform future reforms, consolidate progress, and ultimately ensure better access to quality healthcare for the entire population.
