The United Methodist Church of Côte d'Ivoire (EM-CI) is taking the offensive in the field of social protection. On Friday, March 20, 2026, in Dabou, Bishop Séraphin Moudé officially launched a large-scale awareness campaign aimed at integrating more than 1.1 million members into the Universal Health Coverage (CMU).

A 9-month strategic partnership

The result of an agreement with the Ivorian government, this ambitious project will span nine months. The objective is clear: to transform access to healthcare within the Methodist community. Professor Simplice Dagnan , the project manager, has set specific performance indicators to be achieved by December 31st:

1. 90% of the sensitized target population should be enrolled.
2. 50% of new registrants must actually receive health benefits.

A large-scale territorial mobilization

To achieve this goal, the EM-CI is deploying its forces across the entire national territory. The superintendents of the 29 districts have received mission kits to lead the operation in three key stages:

1. Community mobilization (relaying the message every Sunday and during thematic days).
2. Monitoring and measuring the impact (supporting the faithful in using the services).
3. Final summary and evaluation.

"Each believer must become an actor in their own health," Bishop Moudé stressed, recalling that this action is part of the Church's holistic vision for the well-being of the population.

A model for other faiths

Representing Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, the Secretary General of the Dabou Prefecture, Viviane Assémian Yobouet , praised the partnership as a "striking example" of collaboration between the State and religious organizations. The Regional Director of Health, Akui Okamou, also expressed his hope that this model would be extended to other communities if the results prove successful.

This event took place at Bethesda Temple, on the sidelines of the Church's 41st Ordinary Conference . The proceedings, themed "Evangelizing at All Times and in All Places," will conclude this Sunday with the ordination of new pastors.