Côte d’Ivoire reinforces commitment to nutrition as a central pillar for public health

Abidjan, May 20, 2026 – Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, has firmly reiterated the nation’s dedication to embedding nutrition as a cornerstone of its health and social development strategies. This pivotal declaration was made on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Geneva, during a meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International. The audience took place on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly.

The discussions during this significant engagement primarily focused on intensifying dialogue around critical issues such as nutrition, maternal and child health, and the development of high-impact programs designed to benefit the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Among the key topics explored were Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing efforts in nutritional supplementation, the fortification of widely consumed food products, and robust campaigns aimed at combating anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among pregnant women and young children.

Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba underscored the comprehensive National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the guiding framework for governmental interventions against all forms of malnutrition. He highlighted the progressive mobilization of necessary funding to bolster the country’s achievements in this vital area, emphasizing the crucial support from technical and financial partners.

Shawn Baker, representing the global NGO Helen Keller International, expressed strong commendation for the Ivorian government’s launch of a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program for pregnant women in 2026. This initiative, seamlessly integrated into prenatal care services, is set to address nutritional requirements throughout pregnancy, significantly reduce the risks of anemia, and contribute to preventing low birth weight.

Furthermore, Baker lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s impressive strides and the excellent collaborative relationship with Helen Keller International. He specifically highlighted successful joint ventures, including vitamin A supplementation programs for children under five and various community-based nutrition initiatives.

It is evident that Côte d’Ivoire is actively strengthening its strategic partnerships to accelerate progress in nutrition, enhance maternal and child health outcomes, and foster sustainable human development across the nation.