Côte d’Ivoire prioritises nutrition as key to maternal and child health

Abidjan, May 19, 2026 — Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to making nutrition a cornerstone of its health and social development policies. The announcement came during a bilateral meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International, held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The discussions centered on critical nutrition-related challenges, particularly maternal and child health, alongside strategies to implement high-impact programs for vulnerable populations.

The Minister highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing initiatives, including nutritional supplementation, food fortification for staple products, and efforts to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and young children.

Central to these efforts is the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the government’s blueprint for addressing all forms of malnutrition. Pierre N’Gou Dimba underscored the importance of mobilising domestic and international funding to bolster the country’s progress in this area, with support from technical and financial partners.

In response, Shawn Baker commended Côte d’Ivoire for launching a groundbreaking 2026 initiative: a multiple micronutrient supplementation program for pregnant women, integrated into prenatal care packages. This program aims to meet nutritional needs during pregnancy, reduce anemia risks, and prevent low birth weights.

Baker also praised the nation’s advancements and the strength of its collaboration with Helen Keller International, notably in vitamin A supplementation for children under five and community nutrition initiatives.

Côte d’Ivoire continues to strengthen strategic partnerships to accelerate progress in nutrition, maternal and child health, and sustainable human development.