[Côte d'Ivoire – West African Health]: Pierre Dimba and the WAHO Director General Seal a Strategic Partnership for a Coordinated Regional Response

Abidjan, Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Ivorian Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre Dimba, received at his Ministry the new Director General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), Professor Vincent Palokinam Pitche.

This high-level meeting laid the groundwork for stronger health cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and WAHO, in response to health challenges increasingly shared across the West African region.

A Strategic Alliance for Shared Health Challenges

Given the recurrence of epidemics, inequalities in access to care, and the need for quality medicines and vaccines, both officials called for a coordinated, pooled approach. The discussions covered the prevention of and response to health emergencies, improving equitable access to care, the availability of health products, and the pooling of infrastructure, equipment, and medical expertise.

The meeting also underscored the importance of community health as a key lever for human capital development, and the need to align national strategies with common regional and international standards. Both parties discussed concrete prospects for collaboration within regional health initiatives, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together for healthier populations.

Reaffirming Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to strengthening its partnership with WAHO, Pierre Dimba and Professor Pitche outlined the framework for a more resilient, more united West African health system, closer to its citizens.

François M'BRA II