Paper
Microfinance and Health Program in Benin
What are the socio-economic factors that make a population more susceptible to malaria?
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41 pages
This survey studied over 2000 women beneficiaries of microfinance programs in Benin. It uses structured questionnaires and interviews to obtain its data.
The survey aimed to:
- Understand the socio-economic status and the level of education of the target population, and their understanding of the risks associated with malaria;
- Enhance effective linkages with local non-government organizations (NGOs);
- Stimulate microfinance institutions (MFIs) to inform their beneficiaries on health issues so that they can increase consciousness about the disease.
The survey reported:
- The institutional structure of the local MFIs and their method of operations;
- Their capacity to carry out an awareness program against malaria;
- A strategy of integration of such a program with a credit program in order to decrease costs and increase outreach.
The survey examined the following aspects of the respondents:
- Sector of activities;
- Family and age;
- Income and housing conditions;
- Education;
- Women empowerment;
- Water and sanitation;
- Hygiene;
- Fight against malaria.
The survey found that:
- Poverty is widespread;
- Basic education levels are low;
- Malaria is extensively present, especially among children;
- Housing conditions are poor;
- Sanitary measures are insufficient;
- Protective measures against mosquito bites are inadequate.
The paper ends with recommendations to address the above issues for effective program implementation.
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