234. The institutionalization by the Government of the Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO) and the Medical Assistance Fund (FAM), which is implemented by regulations, the National Health Insurance Fund (CANAM) and related tools guarantee care for workers, soldiers, members of parliament, retirees and the destitute and for their beneficiaries; such health care is provided in the public and private hospitals which are subsidized for this purpose. There is need to note the creation of 23 new mutual funds, bringing the total number to 121 mutual funds approved by the end of 2008. Thus, the population coverage by health mutual funds increased from 1.7% (215 156 beneficiaries out of a population of 12,712,655 inhabitants) to 1.9% (244 028 beneficiaries out of a population of 13,056,837 6 inhabitants) representing an increase of 0.2 percentage points corresponding to 28,873 new memberships. In 2009, the mutual health insurance coverage was 2.1% (3% target) and the coverage rate of population was 2.8% (target of 3.5%). 235. The fight against the disease (including epidemics) is facilitated through the strengthening of research in the area of health through specialized structures created for this purpose. In the same vein, the strengthening of the National Health Information System (SNIS) through staff training in epidemiology and public health was undertaken. The availability of qualified and monitored human resources, as well as the provision of computer hardware contributes to effective and efficient management of cases following a mechanism for monitoring and periodic evaluation implemented at various levels of the health system with the involvement of all stakeholders (State, local authorities, communities, civil society, and technical and financial partners). 236. This system under review (prompted by the growth of the institutional environment) is crucial in taking appropriate decisions. Indeed, and as an example, through the organization of health services and the rational management of health statistics, epidemics and endemic diseases are steadily declining. The indices of morbidity and mortality are being improved as the years go by. 237. The policy of essential drugs and the support mechanism put in place have led to the availability, in the remotest parts of the country and in the health centres, of essential international drugs at an affordable price and in good dispensing conditions. 238. This policy includes the Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Medicine. In this context, the production of Improved Traditional Medicines (MTAs) at the National Public Health Research Institute (INSRP) helps to increasing the health coverage of the population with essential drugs. This is done with the help of associations of traditional healers and some technical and financial donors interested in the issue. 239. In 2010, the 10 essential drugs were available at 98% in health facilities. The average number of prescribed drugs was three (3) and the average cost of a prescription for the same period was one thousand six hundred and sixteen (1616) CFA francs in CSREFs, as against one thousand three hundred and sixty five (1365) CFA francs in CSCOMs. 240. As accompanying measures, vigorous actions were taken and are on-going to rehabilitate, construct and equip health facilities according to established standards. Similarly, within the framework of capacity building, the supply of logistics, office equipment (especially computers) and cold chain is still going on to meet the planned needs with the support of all stakeholders. 47

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