[Memisa and the development of a health care system in Benin]

The organization Memisa Medicus Mundi puts the emphasis of its activities in third world countries such as Benin on the structural development of a solid health care system. This policy is being implemented through close cooperation with local partners. This strategy allows for interventions which do not upset the existing social relationships and which do not have a negative influence on the performance of health care institutions. The general health of the Benin population is poor: life expectation at birth is 47 years and 24% of children under the age of 5 suffer from undernutrition. With financial and technical support of Memisa, three hospitals have been set up in North Benin which later on were turned over to the Benin physicians. In addition, a system of medical insurance was started up, based on the traditional forms of mutual solidarity. Progress may be accelerated by coordinating the aid of non-governmental organizations in Benin; to this purpose, Memisa has aided in founding AMCES (Association des Oeuvres Médicales Privées Confessionnelles et Sociales--Private, Confessional and Social Health Care Association), a union that serves as a discussion partner for the government and helps supplying the country with medicaments.