As of July 2026, the administrative and financial oversight of contract-based health workers recruited for the 2025 cohort now falls under the direct responsibility of Bénin’s 77 municipalities.
This strategic shift, formalized through a ministerial circular signed on July 23, 2026, by the Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance, Rodrigue Chaou, aims to streamline human resource management for local authorities while enhancing working conditions for medical staff serving at the grassroots level.
Streamlined salaries and enhanced local healthcare access
The reform introduces tangible benefits for affected professionals. Salaries will now be disbursed no later than the 20th of each month, aligning with the payment schedule of state civil servants. This ensures financial predictability and timely compensation for healthcare workers.
Additionally, the decentralization extends to medical coverage. Municipalities now handle the direct administration of healthcare provisions for these agents. This proximity to beneficiaries is expected to expedite claim processing and improve the overall medical support available to contract-based health workers across the country.
