The Benin government has authorized an initial evaluation for holders of diplomas from unrecognized foreign health institutions to obtain a certificate of aptitude. This decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting on November 4, 2026. The evaluation aims to assess the competencies of these diploma holders and allow them to practice in Benin. A capacity-building program has been developed for four fields: general medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and midwifery.
According to the Council of Ministers' report, a census conducted in May 2026 identified 22,972 diploma holders from unrecognized foreign health institutions. Of these, 15,398, or 67%, are in the four fields selected for the initial evaluation. The program includes a pedagogical regulation that defines evaluation modalities, success conditions, training modalities, and certificate delivery conditions. The government has instructed relevant ministers to ensure the smooth implementation of this evaluation.
The evaluation is crucial in ensuring that health professionals practicing in Benin have the necessary skills and knowledge. The Benin government has taken steps to strengthen its healthcare system, including improving the quality of health professionals. In recent months, the country has seen various initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare, including the training of specialists in quality control of health products and the reinforcement of sanitary surveillance.
The decision to evaluate diploma holders from unrecognized foreign institutions is part of the government's efforts to regulate the healthcare sector. In October 2026, the Benin government reinforced its sanitary surveillance and activated preliminary alerts. The country has also received support from international organizations, including the Order of Malta, which donated 5 million FCFA to the Djougou hospital.
The evaluation process is expected to be implemented in the coming months, with the government working to ensure that all stakeholders are involved. The Ministry of Health, led by Benjamin Hounkpatin, is responsible for implementing the evaluation process. In August 2026, the minister proceeded with the mutation of 49 agents to new posts, demonstrating the government's efforts to reorganize the healthcare sector.
The Benin government's decision to evaluate health graduates from unrecognized foreign institutions has been welcomed by various stakeholders. The move is seen as a step towards ensuring that health professionals in the country meet international standards. In recent years, Benin has seen significant developments in its healthcare sector, including the implementation of new policies and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes.
The evaluation of health graduates from unrecognized foreign institutions is a critical step towards strengthening Benin's healthcare system. The government has demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare in the country, and this move is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of healthcare services provided to citizens.
Key points
- The Benin government has authorized an initial evaluation for holders of diplomas from unrecognized foreign health institutions to obtain a certificate of aptitude.
- A census conducted in May 2026 identified 22,972 diploma holders from unrecognized foreign health institutions.
- The evaluation aims to assess the competencies of diploma holders and allow them to practice in Benin.
