CAME started its activities in 1991 and evolved for four (4) years as part of the Health Services Development Project (PDSS) funded by the World Bank and Swiss Cooperation. In 1996, it acquired administrative, financial and managerial autonomy with the adoption of its statutes.

It is responsible for supplying public and private non-profit health facilities as well as pharmacy pharmacies with essential generic drugs and essential medical consumables. CAME is an Institution governed by the provisions of private law and subject to the obligation of government control for the execution of a social public health mission. It has a new head office based in Cotonou and three (3) Regional Agencies ( Cotonou, Parakou  and  Natitingou ) which supply all health facilities in the national territory.