Côte d’Ivoire prioritizes nutrition in maternal and child health strategy

Strengthening maternal and child health through nutrition

Abidjan, 20 May 2026 – Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, has underscored the country’s unwavering commitment to making nutrition a cornerstone of its health and social development policies. Speaking in Geneva on 19 May 2026 during an official meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International, the minister highlighted the urgent need to address critical nutritional challenges affecting mothers and children.

During the discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration on maternal and child health, nutrition, and high-impact programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. Key areas of focus included the supplementation of essential nutrients, fortification of staple foods, and efforts to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among pregnant women and young children.

National Nutrition Plan drives progress

The Minister pointed to Côte d’Ivoire’s National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan (PNMN) as the guiding framework for government-led interventions to combat all forms of malnutrition. He noted that securing progressive funding—supported by technical and financial partners—remains essential to sustaining and expanding these vital initiatives. The PNMN serves as a strategic roadmap, aligning sectoral efforts to ensure long-term improvements in public health outcomes.

Shawn Baker praised the Ivorian government’s recent launch of a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program for pregnant women in 2026. Integrated into prenatal care packages, this initiative is designed to meet the heightened nutritional needs during pregnancy, reduce anemia risks, and lower the incidence of low birth weight. He also recognized Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in vitamin A supplementation for children under five and community-based nutrition programs.

The collaboration between Côte d’Ivoire and Helen Keller International was highlighted as a model of effective partnership, demonstrating measurable impact in addressing malnutrition and strengthening health systems. The government’s ongoing efforts to consolidate strategic alliances reflect a broader commitment to accelerating progress in nutrition, maternal health, and sustainable human development across the country.