Togo: Education and student health at the heart of priorities with the School UHI program
Since 2017, the “School Assur” program has provided essential health coverage for students in public schools in Togo. In 2024, this initiative took a significant turn with its integration into the national Universal Health Insurance (UHI) project, becoming “School UHI.” This evolution reflects the Togolese government’s commitment to strengthening support for students by placing health and education at the center of its priorities.
Now, with this new system, students in public schools benefit from the same advantages offered by UHI to the entire population. These benefits include consultations, medical examinations, emergency care, and access to medications. This integration aims to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, can access the necessary health care to succeed in their studies.
A notable change in the “School UHI” program is the simplification of managing medical expense claims, a task previously handled by parents. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, schools themselves will take on this responsibility, making the process easier for families. This transition will involve close collaboration between teachers and medical staff to better understand the health needs of students and ensure regular follow-up on their care.
The “School UHI” program is set to gradually roll out across all public schools in Togo. According to figures provided by the Ministry of Grassroots Development, between 2017 and 2024, “School Assur” has already covered 1.9 million students and provided 4.6 million medical services. With this new phase, the Togolese government hopes to increase the number of beneficiaries, further solidifying its commitment to supporting education and providing optimal learning conditions for future generations.
