Abidjan, May 20, 2026 – Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, recently reiterated the nation’s firm resolve to position nutrition as a fundamental pillar within its broader health and social development agenda. This significant declaration was made on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Geneva, 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 primarily centered on strengthening dialogue around the vital aspects of nutrition, maternal and child health, and the strategic expansion of high-impact programs designed to benefit the most vulnerable segments of the population.
Key topics explored included Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing initiatives in nutritional supplementation, the fortification of staple food products, and the concerted efforts to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among pregnant women and young children.
Highlighting the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the government’s comprehensive framework for addressing all forms of malnutrition, Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba underscored the progressive mobilization of financial resources aimed at bolstering the country’s performance in this critical area. This progress, he noted, is significantly supported by technical and financial partners.
Shawn Baker of the global non-governmental organization Helen Keller International, for his part, expressed commendation for the Ivorian government’s launch this year (2026) of a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program specifically targeting pregnant women. This innovative program is seamlessly integrated into prenatal care services, designed to address essential nutritional needs throughout pregnancy, reduce the risks of anemia, and contribute to the prevention of low birth weight.
Furthermore, Baker lauded the considerable strides made by Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the exceptional quality of its collaboration with Helen Keller International. He specifically acknowledged their joint success in vitamin A supplementation programs for children under five years old and various community-based nutrition initiatives.
It is evident that Côte d’Ivoire is actively engaged in a dynamic process of solidifying its strategic partnerships, a crucial step towards accelerating progress in nutrition, maternal and child health, and sustainable human development.
CICG
