Improve the interface between providers of modern and traditional care for the achievement of the objectives of the millennium for development: analysis of situation in two experimental health districts in Benin

Abstract

The present study has as objective to analyze socio-sanitary and cultural situation in two pilot health district and to constitute a baseline allowing determining efficient interventions for the improvement of the health of populations in Benin.

A quantitative and qualitative study was made in community and in the health trainings of both pilot zones of project; individual interview, auto diagnosis and inquiry structured with Community and sanitary actors were used. A descriptive analysis of quantitative data and an analysis of contents of qualitative data were performed.

The investigated in the community and the contractors had varied perceptions on their modem and traditional care system. The traditional health services are geographically more approachable than the modern health services; they have comparative advantages on acceptability, use and expense. Nevertheless, both types of contractors acknowledge the importance and utility of services provided by each of them to the community, necessity and needs to work in synergy.

This analysis of situation allowed to identify priorities regarding interventions, and generate hypotheses allowing leading research-actions.