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

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

The discussions centred on critical challenges in maternal and child nutrition, alongside strategies to implement high-impact programs for vulnerable populations. Key topics included Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing efforts in nutritional supplementation, food fortification, and combating micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and young children.

Highlighting the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan as the backbone of government interventions against malnutrition, Minister N’Gou Dimba underscored the growing mobilisation of domestic and partner-funded resources to bolster the country’s progress in this vital sector. Technical and financial partners have played a pivotal role in accelerating these initiatives.

Shawn Baker commended Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership in launching a pioneering 2026 program providing multiple micronutrient supplements to pregnant women. Integrated into prenatal care packages, this initiative aims to address nutritional gaps during pregnancy, reduce anaemia risks, and prevent low birth weights. He also praised the nation’s strides in vitamin A supplementation for children under five and community nutrition programs, alongside its strong collaboration with Helen Keller International.

The West African nation is actively strengthening strategic partnerships to fast-track advancements in nutrition, maternal and child health, and sustainable human development, positioning itself as a regional leader in public health innovation.