Abidjan, May 20, 2026 — The Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre N’Gou Dimba, has underscored Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to integrating nutrition as a cornerstone of its healthcare and social development policies. Speaking on May 19, 2026, in Geneva during a bilateral meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International, the minister outlined the nation’s strategic focus on maternal and child health.
The high-level discussion centered on critical issues including nutrition challenges, maternal and infant health, and the implementation of high-impact programs tailored to support vulnerable populations. Key topics covered nutritional supplementation, fortification of staple foods, and intensified efforts to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and young children.
Highlighting the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, Minister N’Gou Dimba emphasized the government’s systematic approach to tackling malnutrition in all its forms. He also pointed to the growing mobilization of domestic and international funding, supported by technical and financial partners, to enhance the country’s nutritional outcomes.
Shawn Baker commended Côte d’Ivoire for launching in 2026 a groundbreaking multiple micronutrient supplementation program integrated into prenatal care packages. Designed to meet the nutritional needs of expectant mothers, the initiative aims to reduce anemia risks, prevent low birth weights, and improve overall maternal and infant health outcomes.
Baker further praised the nation’s advancements in vitamin A supplementation for children under five and its community-based nutrition programs, noting the strong and productive collaboration with local authorities. These efforts reflect Côte d’Ivoire’s broader commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships to accelerate progress in nutrition, maternal care, and sustainable human development.
