Experts from the World Bank's Unit for Coordination of Health Projects (UCPS-BM) gathered in Abidjan on September 22, 2026, to discuss the modernization of healthcare infrastructure and equipment in Côte d'Ivoire. The event, part of the World Bank's portfolio open days, took place at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire. The experts stressed that upgrading healthcare infrastructure and equipment is crucial to improving the quality of care and reducing referrals to specialized institutions.
According to the experts, interventions in healthcare infrastructure and equipment involve a thorough assessment of existing facilities, identifying gaps, and evaluating necessary works and equipment. This process enables the implementation of targeted projects, from primary care to university hospitals and specialized institutions. Interventions also focus on medical equipment, including scanners, MRI machines, radiology equipment, and laboratory automation.
The modernization efforts have led to significant improvements in medical imaging, with some institutions transitioning from analog to digital radiology systems. This upgrade has enhanced the quality and speed of exam processing. Additionally, the installation of oxygen production units using PSA technology has strengthened the autonomy of healthcare facilities. Oxygen cylinders are also provided to institutions without these production units.
The experts emphasized the importance of sustainable maintenance for newly acquired equipment. They recommend concluding maintenance contracts spanning three to seven years, depending on the equipment's nature, to ensure their availability and proper functioning over time. This approach guarantees the long-term effectiveness of the investments made in healthcare infrastructure and equipment.
The strengthening of technical platforms enables the decentralization of specialized care, bringing it closer to the population. Prior to modernization, many patients were referred to other institutions due to a lack of equipment or technical expertise. The experts believe that improving technical platforms will gradually reduce these referrals and enhance local healthcare services.
The interventions concern different levels of the healthcare system, from primary care structures to general hospitals, university hospitals, and specialized institutions. The equipment provided includes medical scanners, MRI machines, radiology equipment, and laboratory automation, particularly in biochemistry and hematology. These efforts aim to improve the overall quality of healthcare in Côte d'Ivoire.
By modernizing healthcare infrastructure and equipment, Côte d'Ivoire aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for referrals to specialized institutions. The World Bank's support for these efforts underscores the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure to strengthen the country's health system. The experts' recommendations for sustainable maintenance and local care provision will be crucial in sustaining these gains.
Key points
- Modernizing healthcare infrastructure and equipment is essential to improving the quality of care in Côte d'Ivoire.
- Sustainable maintenance contracts are necessary to ensure the long-term effectiveness of new equipment.
- Strengthening technical platforms enables the decentralization of specialized care, bringing it closer to the population.
