The Ivorian government has announced an exceptional measure to support informal sector workers: from May 1 to August 31, 2025, Ivorians already enrolled in the Universal Health Coverage program (CMU) will receive free healthcare at participating public facilities — with no contributions required for four months.
The announcement was made on Thursday, May 1, by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé during a Labor Day address in Abidjan-Plateau. Approximately 13 million people are expected to benefit from the initiative, primarily first-time enrollees. The goal is to boost participation in a program that remains largely unknown among the informal workforce, which accounts for over 80% of the country’s labor market.
During this period, beneficiaries will have full access to CMU services, with 70% of medical costs covered in accredited facilities. In rural areas, the government will go further by covering 100% of the cost of consultations, nursing care, and medications.
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or uncomplicated hypertension will also be eligible for 70% reimbursements on consultations and tests, and 33% for medications, in line with the program’s benefits package.
Described as a “temporary and exceptional measure,” the initiative aims to remove financial barriers to healthcare access and highlight the value of the CMU. “This is a gesture of solidarity — an open invitation for mass enrollment. It proves that national solidarity is not only possible, but necessary,” said Prime Minister Mambé.
The government sees this initiative as a pilot phase to assess how free access influences enrollment and retention rates, with the long-term goal of building a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system.