Abidjan, May 20, 2026 – Pierre N’Gou Dimba, the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, has reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s unwavering dedication to establishing nutrition as a cornerstone of its national 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 focused on deepening collaboration concerning vital issues in nutrition, maternal and child health, and the expansion of high-impact initiatives designed to benefit the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Key subjects addressed included Côte d’Ivoire’s ongoing endeavors in nutritional supplementation, the fortification of widely consumed food products, and the persistent battle against anemia and micronutrient deficiencies affecting pregnant women and young children.
Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba underscored the importance of the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the government’s guiding framework for combating all forms of malnutrition. He highlighted the progressive mobilization of financial resources, bolstered by the support of technical and financial partners, to enhance the country’s performance in this critical area.
Shawn Baker, representing the global NGO Helen Keller International, expressed his commendation for the Ivorian government’s launch, earlier in 2026, of a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program specifically for pregnant women. This program has been seamlessly integrated into prenatal care services to meet essential nutritional needs during pregnancy, effectively reduce the risks of anemia, and contribute to preventing low birth weight.
Furthermore, Baker applauded Côte d’Ivoire’s substantive progress and the robust quality of its partnership with Helen Keller International, particularly through successful vitamin A supplementation programs for children under five and impactful community nutrition initiatives.
It is evident that Côte d’Ivoire is actively consolidating its strategic alliances to accelerate advancements in nutrition, maternal and child health, and ultimately, sustainable human development.
