Ivory coast has reached a landmark in its universal health coverage (Couverture Maladie Universelle, CMU) program, surpassing 20 million enrolled individuals—representing nearly 68% of the national population.
This significant milestone underscores the country’s commitment to fostering equitable access to healthcare for all, as highlighted in an official statement from the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection.
Driven by President Alassane Ouattara’s vision of an inclusive and resilient health system, this achievement is the result of coordinated efforts led by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé’s government and spearheaded by Minister of Employment and Social Protection, Me Adama Kamara.
Since his appointment in April 2021, Minister Kamara has prioritised the CMU program as a strategic initiative, applying a pragmatic, participatory, and results-focused approach. In July 2023, the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) ramped up its field operations significantly.
Over 7,000 biometric enrollment agents have been deployed nationwide during 2024 and 2025, utilising both fixed and mobile In Situ technology units to register citizens and issue insurance cards on the spot across urban and rural areas alike.
To bring health services closer to communities, 34 fixed sites were established alongside 10 mobile enrollment trucks operating in markets, neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and remote villages. These efforts were supported by extensive awareness campaigns involving local authorities, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, chambers of commerce, and civil society groups. At every stage, so-called “CMU villages” functioned as dedicated hubs for information, enrollment assistance, contributions, and benefits.
On 1 May 2025, the government launched the “CMU Zero Contribution” initiative, exempting informal sector workers from payment of contributions until 31 August. This measure proved pivotal in accelerating enrollment, with a memorable rally in Niakaramandougou marking the official crossing of the 20,012,861 enrolled threshold.
Beyond enrollment figures, the CMU database now stands as the largest biometric registry ever assembled in Côte d’Ivoire. It represents a vital strategic tool for shaping health, social, and economic policy.
With the presidential election approaching in October 2025, this social progress sends a clear message about the government’s focus on inclusivity, social justice, and equitable wealth redistribution. The mass enrollment campaign reflects a determined political will to leave no one behind.
Looking ahead, the government’s goal is unequivocal: full coverage of the entire population. Minister Kamara confidently asserts, “The CMU is the social passport in Côte d’Ivoire.”
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