Benin/“Bridging the Gaps” Project: The First Cohort of Agents Completes Their Assignment

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Health Minister Prof. Benjamin HOUNKPATIN took part in the graduation ceremony for the first cohort of health workers recruited as part of the “Bridging the Gaps” project. It was an emotional moment for these young health workers, who are being sent to the front lines for two years to serve in Benin’s health facilities. The event was attended by the representative of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Mr. Al-Houssaine BAH.

Each of these recent graduates has an indelible memory of this unique experience that shaped their careers as healthcare workers. Stories from the field flowed freely on the evening of this epic journey, during which the government offered them the opportunity to serve in public health facilities right after they had just graduated from college. These young people, part of the first cohort of the “Bridging the Gaps” project, were forged by the realities on the ground as they saved lives alongside their more experienced colleagues.

In his remarks, their spokesperson, Dr. Michée GOGBETO, expressed his deep gratitude to the government and the partner organization for this highly enriching professional and personal experience. “Two years later, we emerge from this adventure proud and happy to have served our country with dedication. We have discovered the realities on the ground, with all their challenges and complexities. We have learned resilience, humility, active listening, and a sense of service,” he said.

For the Executive Secretary of the CNLS-TP, Dr. Anita WADAGNI, the “Bridging the Gaps” project was designed to provide a concrete response to the challenges related to the availability and distribution of human resources in health care. “ “Thanks to the commitment of the Government of Benin, the support of technical and financial partners, and the involvement of various health sector organizations, this initiative has enabled many health workers to help strengthen healthcare delivery in our health facilities,” she stated.

These 115 doctors, 89 nurses, 98 midwives, and 272 clinic hygienists—deployed throughout Benin as part of the first cohort—have been a great support to the health system. In total, 182,500 medical consultations were conducted, with a major achievement being an increase in patient visits and revenue at health facilities.

In his remarks, Minister Benjamin HOUNKPATIN emphasized the medicalization of health centers, which remains a major achievement of this project. “There are communities that had never hoped to see a doctor in their entire lives, but thanks to you, that has become possible. To date, we have been able to provide medical services at more than 130 health facilities,” said the minister, who also highlighted a notable reduction in the exodus of young, trained professionals.

In terms of future prospects, these young professionals have a wide range of opportunities ahead of them. In addition to the fact that some of them will be able to continue working at their host health facilities, opportunities for specialization exist for doctors and for master’s degrees for paramedical staff. The option to practice in private practice is also a promising prospect for these accomplished young professionals.

Very satisfied with the impressive results achieved, the representative of the Islamic Development Bank, Mr. Al-Houssaine BAH, congratulated the Government of Benin for its ongoing efforts to promote the well-being of the population.
The project “Bridging the Gaps: Community Health, Human Resources for Health, and Nutrition” is in its fourth year of implementation and has enabled the deployment of 1,360 qualified health workers to more than 300 health facilities across the country.

Source: www.gouv.bj/