Ivory Coast is taking stock of its Universal Health Coverage (CMU) initiative for workers in the informal sector, three months after the government introduced measures to extend healthcare rights to millions previously outside formal social protection.
On August 14, 2025, the General Directorate of Universal Health Coverage (DGCMU) convened heads of Abidjan’s Districts 1 and 2 and representatives from public hospitals and Urban Health Centers (CSU) at the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) in Adjamé. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Soltié A.
Coulibaly-Koné, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Health, brought together Regional and Departmental Directors of Health, as well as chief physicians, to assess the implementation of CMU services.
Two presentations outlined progress. Dr. Barbara Mélèdje, pharmacist and head of drug benefits at DGCMU, shared findings from a monitoring mission to Abidjan, highlighting improvements in access to medications for insured informal-sector workers. Dr. Yeman Adingra, DGCMU focal point for services, reviewed the integration of CMU benefits in Regional Health Excellence Centers (PRES), with a focus on Abidjan Health Districts 1 and 2.
The session also aimed to identify best practices, address remaining challenges, and harmonize strategies to strengthen service delivery. Free access to healthcare for informal sector workers, launched on May 1 and set to continue through August 31, 2025, allows beneficiaries to receive medical care and prescribed medications without paying contributions.
The scheme covers approximately 13 million people, mainly primary insurance holders, with 70% of medical costs covered by the state in approved public facilities. Patients are responsible for the remaining 30%, though in rural health centers, consultations, nursing care, and basic medications are fully covered.
“This exceptional measure facilitates healthcare access for millions of Ivorians often on the margins of traditional social protection systems,” said DGCMU officials. The initiative reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare and affordable medicines, aiming to reduce financial barriers and strengthen public health outcomes.
The government has emphasized that the assessment will guide improvements in service delivery and reinforce CMU’s role in extending social protection to all residents, particularly those in the informal economy.
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