One preventive medical examination for two children in Benin

Emilienne from Aplahoué in Benin says: "Our children used to have serious health problems. The nearest health center was too far away, so we could only visit it rarely. They suffered, were weak and could not go to school. Since 2009, there has been a health center in the Kissamey epicenter, which we can reach on foot. The children are now examined regularly. This prevents severe and acute malnutrition, detects diseases early and treats them medically in the health center. Our children are now well fed, they are less sick, can go to school regularly and are growing normally." In the Kissamey epicenter, around 24,000 people from 12 villages join forces to jointly promote the development of their region. This community concept facilitates individual access to resources and strengthens people's assertiveness with the local government. The central community building (epicenter), which the population builds and manages itself, is the visible sign of the community initiatives. It is within walking distance, not more than 10-12 km from the most remote settlement. It offers a school room, a health center, a kindergarten, a granary and a small bank for microcredit.