Ridde, ValeryHaddad, SlimYacoubou, MoussaYacoubou, Ismaelou2010-06-232010-06-232010http://hdl.handle.net/10625/43905This exploratory study in Benin examines social dynamics related to mutual aid such as relationships of trust and empowerment. The primary reason for joining a Mutual Health Organization is to improve financial accessibility to health services. Non-members see that members have a strong sense of trust and empowerment in this regard. The MHOs’ low penetration rate can’t be explained therefore by a lack of trust. Villagers have problems in being able to pay regular MHO premiums. People’s confidence could be strengthened if MHOs were able to negotiate with the State to manage the funds provided by the government, which could in turn energize the MHOs.Text1 digital file (8 p. : ill.)enEMPOWERMENTBENINMUTUAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONSSOCIAL DYNAMICSTRUSTAIDWORST-OFFJournal Article (peer-reviewed)