b'The cost of medical treatment in Togo is high, sometimes forcing families to choose between their health and feeding their family. To cover medical bills, many families have no choice but to take out high interest loans they cannot afford, pushing them deeper into poverty. Others ask relatives for help, but if there is no money to borrow, then they wont be seen at the health centre.Only 8% of Togos population currently have health protection. This lack of protection meansthat low-income families often struggle to afford even the most basic healthcare services and are frightened of falling ill. Families often delay treatment, or they self-medicate with unprescribed medicine bought from an unregulated street vendor.The situation is further compounded by low literacy levels and little access to important healthcare information, preventing families from making informed decisions about their own health.Easily treatable illnesses can prevent low-income families from working, and high health costs can force families to sell their income-generating assets: creating a cycle of poor health and poverty.We believe everyone should have access to healthcare and Deki works to improve these services through MUSA, our not-for-profit health insurance mutual, which supports vulnerable families to cope with healthcare expenditure. MUSA works by subsidising 70% of healthcare costs, making health care more accessible for families with little savings. It covers a range of leading illnesses, including malaria, waterborne diseases and treating wounds.As part of the package, we also offer free support for expectant mothers, including four antenatal consultations and professional care during childbirth.To combat a lack of access to information, we run health education workshops covering topics such as malaria, waterborne diseases, and family planning. Participants act as community health champions by sharing newly acquired knowledge with other community members.When low-income families join MUSA, they will no longer have to choose between leaving illnesses untreated, risking their health, or paying for their familys daily food.'