The Comoros is embarking on a major social protection reform with the launch of a Generalised Health Insurance scheme (AMG) targeting 18,000 households across the archipelago. A pilot programme has been active since December 2025, but subscription challenges remain significant.
A Programme Launched in December 2025
The AMG Support Programme (PAAMG) was officially launched on 14 December 2025, aiming to enrol 18,000 households across 17 district centres throughout the archipelago. According to national coordinator Thouraya Said Abdou, this initiative is «a strong act for more inclusive and equitable social protection» in the Comoros.
A Modest Start
Early figures reflect the difficulty of implementation: only 40 beneficiaries are currently enrolled in the pilot phase as of early 2026. Two major obstacles have been identified: low subscription rates among targeted households, and dissatisfaction with coverage conditions and the quality of health services being offered.
Communication at the Heart of the 2026 Strategy
In March 2026, UTGAM (the AMG Technical Management Unit) convened PAAMG partners to validate the year's communication strategy. The challenge is substantial: convincing households — often rural and without banking access — that a health insurance contribution is an investment rather than an additional burden.
A 2030 Target Anchored in the SDGs
The AMG is embedded in the national goal of universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme benefits from support by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is financing its early phases. The Comoros joins a continental trend of African countries accelerating the construction of universal health protection systems.
Why It Matters
Health is a central determinant of economic productivity and human development. A healthier Comoros means a more productive workforce, children who complete their schooling, and households that save rather than sink into debt from catastrophic health expenses. For the Indian Ocean sub-region, the success or failure of the Comorian model will hold valuable lessons for other territories pursuing social reform.
Sources: Africa24, Comores Infos, AFD.