Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Benin

Our partnership with Alliance MNT
 

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are leading cause of morbidity and mortality in West Africa.¹ In Benin 25.9%of the population have a High Blood Pressure (PAS ≥ 140 and/or PAD ≥ 90) and 8.4% have a high glucose blood level.² 

The healthcare system in Benin faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of qualified personnel, with only 1.5 doctors per 10,000 people, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated medical equipment. Additionally, access to healthcare is limited in rural areas, where 45% of the population resides, exacerbating health disparities. These issues significantly compromise the quality of healthcare services provided to the population.³

 
The National Program for the Fight against Noncommunicable Diseases (PNLMNT) in Benin aims to improve the management and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Its specific objectives include creating a supportive environment to reduce exposure to modifiable risk factors, strengthening the primary healthcare system with universal health coverage, enhancing international cooperation and awareness, and strengthening capacities, leadership, governance, and partnerships to combat NCDs.⁴ 

 
The partnership between the MOH, Alliance MNT and  Sanofi’s GHU aims to achieve the goals set in the National Strategic Plan against NCDs. Their objectives include reducing mortality and morbidity from NCDs like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the 2 remaining regions to achieve the nationwide Whopen strategy coverage, implementing Pen Plus, and improving public knowledge of NCD risk factors. Additionally, they aim to facilitate access to NCD medications, particularly insulin, by ensuring a continuous supply of affordable, quality medicines and establishing a framework for sharing best practices and monitoring price structures.