In Geneva on May 19, 2026, during the 79th World Health Assembly, Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, underscored the nation’s unwavering resolve. He reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to embed nutrition as a core pillar of its health and social development strategies, following a meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President for Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International.
The discussion during this significant encounter centered on deepening dialogue concerning critical nutrition challenges, advancing maternal and child health, and formulating high-impact programs specifically designed to benefit the most vulnerable segments of the population.
Among the key topics explored were Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing initiatives in nutritional supplementation, the fortification of widely consumed food products, and comprehensive strategies to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies affecting pregnant women and young children.
Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba highlighted the crucial role of the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the government’s guiding framework for addressing all manifestations of malnutrition. He emphasized the systematic mobilization of funding, bolstered by technical and financial partners, to enhance the nation’s performance in this vital sector.
Shawn Baker of the global NGO Helen Keller International expressed commendation for the Ivorian government’s launch in 2026 of a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program for expectant mothers. This initiative, now part of prenatal care packages, aims to meet nutritional requirements during pregnancy, mitigate anemia risks, and contribute to preventing low birth weights.
He further praised Côte d’Ivoire’s notable advancements and the exemplary quality of its collaboration with Helen Keller International, particularly evident in vitamin A supplementation programs for children under five and various community-based nutrition initiatives.
It is clear that Côte d’Ivoire is actively pursuing a strategy of strengthening its strategic partnerships. This concerted effort is designed to accelerate progress across nutrition, maternal and child health, and sustainable human development.
