Senegal Makes Significant Strides in Universal Health Coverage with Digital Transformation
Senegal has achieved notable progress in its pursuit of universal health coverage, with over 53% of the population now covered, up from 10% a decade ago. The country aims to reach 75% coverage by 2029, ensuring equitable access to healthcare nationwide. This advancement is largely attributed to the digital transformation led by the National Agency for Universal Health Coverage (SEN-CSU), which has modernized its central management system and introduced several digital solutions.
These innovations include the SEN CSU mobile app, a national platform for universal health coverage management, and various other digital tools that simplify enrollment, premium payments, and management of enrolled individuals. The introduction of these digital solutions has enabled citizens to register remotely, renew benefits, pay premiums via mobile money, and track their coverage status in real time. The diaspora can also sponsor insured persons in Senegal from abroad, further expanding access to the system.
The Better Than Cash Alliance, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has supported Senegal in replacing cash payments with safer digital transactions since 2024. This shift has built a model rooted in trust and efficiency, with a health insurance card featuring a QR code that ensures access to care without financial or administrative barriers.
Technical partners have emphasized that this structured approach is strengthening results, with digital identity, digital payments, and robust data governance enabling a growing number of citizens, including those in rural areas, to benefit from health insurance. A case study presented at the African Health Tech Summit highlights how these tools enhance transparency, data protection, and service quality, offering a model that other countries can adapt.
The digital transformation is having a tangible impact on families’ lives, with one insured woman noting that she can now pay premiums directly and receive care anywhere in Senegal. Senegal’s progress toward a fairer, more modern, and accessible universal health coverage system is significant, with continued efforts to strengthen inclusion and service quality for all citizens. The country’s experience serves as a model for other nations seeking to leverage digital payments and technology to achieve universal health coverage.
