Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to making nutrition a central pillar of its health and social development policy. He made this statement on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Geneva during a meeting with Shawn Baker, held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly.

The meeting focused on strengthening discussions around nutrition challenges, maternal and child health, and the development of high-impact programs aimed at supporting the most vulnerable populations.

Among the key topics discussed were Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts in nutritional supplementation, the fortification of widely consumed foods, and the fight against anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and children.

Highlighting the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which guides government interventions in combating all forms of malnutrition, Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba emphasized the gradual mobilization of funding to support the country’s performance in this sector, with assistance from technical and financial partners.

For his part, Shawn Baker of the global NGO Helen Keller International welcomed the launch in 2026 by the Ivorian government of a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program for pregnant women. The program has been integrated into prenatal care services to address nutritional needs during pregnancy, reduce the risk of anemia, and help prevent low birth weight.

He also praised the progress achieved by Côte d’Ivoire and the quality of collaboration with Helen Keller International, particularly in vitamin A supplementation programs for children under five and community nutrition initiatives.

It is worth noting that Côte d’Ivoire is actively strengthening its strategic partnerships to accelerate progress in nutrition, maternal and child health, and sustainable human development.