The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided a donation of 110 million FCFA to Côte d'Ivoire to enhance healthcare services in the Bounkani and Tchologo regions. This funding will be used to establish two mobile reproductive health clinics and provide simulation equipment for training future midwives. The goal is to increase access to healthcare for vulnerable populations in these areas.
The donation includes 80 million FCFA for the acquisition of two fully equipped mobile clinics, which will be allocated to the Bounkani and Tchologo regional health departments. These clinics will offer prenatal consultations, family planning services, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and support for victims of gender-based violence. The selection of these regions is driven by concerns about refugees, asylum seekers, and populations facing difficulties in accessing healthcare facilities.
The Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, stated that this initiative is a concrete response to the needs of vulnerable communities living in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The Deputy Director of Cabinet for the Minister of Health, Dr. Coulibaly Soltié, emphasized the need to ensure equitable access to essential healthcare services, despite geographical isolation or humanitarian contexts.
In addition to the mobile clinics, the UNFPA donation includes 30 million FCFA worth of simulation equipment for the National Institute of Health Agent Training (INFAS). This equipment will enable midwifery students to improve their practical skills through simulation exercises, better preparing them for real-world situations and enhancing maternal care safety.
The UNFPA Executive Director, Natalia Kanem, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of reaching women, young people, and children in remote communities. This contribution is part of the ninth cooperation program between Côte d'Ivoire and UNFPA (CP9), covering the period 2026-2030, with an indicative envelope of 75 million dollars.
The Director-General of the New Public Health Pharmacy of Côte d'Ivoire (NPSP-CI), Dr. Ibrahim Daniel Kouyaté, reaffirmed his institution's commitment to supporting initiatives that improve healthcare product and service availability across the country. The ceremony concluded with an invitation from Souleymane Diarrassouba to beneficiary structures to ensure rigorous management of the equipment to guarantee its durability.
The project aims to address two major challenges: bringing healthcare services closer to vulnerable communities and improving the quality of training for healthcare professionals. The initiative aligns with Côte d'Ivoire's National Development Plan 2026-2030, particularly in terms of strengthening human capital.
Key points
- The UNFPA donation will establish two mobile reproductive health clinics in the Bounkani and Tchologo regions.
- The initiative aims to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable populations in these areas.
- The project includes simulation equipment for training future midwives at the National Institute of Health Agent Training (INFAS).
