In Geneva, on May 19, 2026, Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, underscored the nation’s unwavering resolve to position nutrition as a cornerstone of its health and social development agenda. This significant declaration came during a meeting with Shawn Baker, Executive Vice President for Programs and Partnerships at Helen Keller International, held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly.

The primary objective of this high-level discussion was to intensify dialogue on critical issues surrounding nutrition, maternal and child health, and the implementation of impactful programs specifically designed to benefit the most susceptible segments of the population.

Discussions during the engagement highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s proactive efforts, including nutritional supplementation initiatives, the fortification of widely consumed food products, and comprehensive campaigns to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies prevalent among pregnant women and young children.

Minister Pierre N’Gou Dimba emphasized the pivotal role of the National Multisectoral Nutrition Plan, which serves as the strategic framework guiding government interventions against all forms of malnutrition. He further stressed the ongoing commitment to progressively secure funding, bolstered by technical and financial partners, to enhance the country’s achievements in this vital sector.

Shawn Baker, representing the global NGO Helen Keller International, commended the Ivorian government for introducing a new multiple micronutrient supplementation program for expectant mothers in 2026. This initiative, seamlessly integrated into prenatal care packages, aims to address nutritional requirements throughout pregnancy, mitigate anemia risks, and contribute significantly to preventing low birth weights.

He also lauded Côte d’Ivoire’s notable advancements and the exceptional quality of its collaborative efforts with Helen Keller International, particularly evident in vitamin A supplementation programs for children under five and various community-based nutrition initiatives.

It is important to highlight that Côte d’Ivoire continues to actively strengthen its strategic partnerships, a crucial step towards accelerating progress in nutrition, enhancing maternal and child health outcomes, and fostering sustainable human development.