Abidjan – Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba, leading the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, recently reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s unwavering dedication to integrating nutrition as a core component of its national health and social development agenda. This significant declaration was made in Geneva on May 19, 2026, during a meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President for Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International, held on the fringes of the 79th World Health Assembly.
The discussions during this crucial encounter aimed at deepening collaboration and dialogue on vital issues surrounding nutrition, maternal and child health, and the development of high-impact initiatives specifically targeting the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Among the key topics addressed were Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing efforts in nutritional supplementation, the fortification of widely consumed food products, and robust campaigns to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies prevalent among pregnant women and young children.
Minister Dimba highlighted the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the overarching framework guiding governmental interventions against all forms of malnutrition. He emphasized the progressive mobilization of financial resources, bolstered by the support of technical and financial partners, to enhance the country’s achievements in this critical area.
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 innovative program is now seamlessly integrated into prenatal care packages, designed to meet the nutritional demands of pregnancy, mitigate anemia risks, and contribute to preventing low birth weight.
Furthermore, Baker lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s substantial progress and the exemplary quality of its partnership with Helen Keller International, particularly citing successful programs for vitamin A supplementation in children under five and various community-based nutrition initiatives.
It is evident that Côte d’Ivoire is actively strengthening its strategic alliances to accelerate advancements in nutrition, maternal and child health, and broader sustainable human development.