As patients enter a major Abidjan hospital, a large sign informs them that Ivory Coast's universal health insurance will cover some of their medical expenses.

But although the healthcare coverage has been available for six years, many Ivorians still have not signed up for it -- and those that have often don't bother trying to use it.

Disillusionment and a lack of confidence in accessing the promised benefits have hampered government efforts to roll the system out.

Universal health coverage, known by its French acronym CMU, was first touted in Ivory Coast by President Alassane Ouattara, who in October will seek a fourth term in office.

The insurance scheme covers 70 percent of the costs of medical consultations and some medications for a monthly charge of 1,000 CFA francs ($1.80). The p

See Full Page