Cote d’Ivoire
Country Overview
Cote d’Ivoire is moving towards political and social stability after years of civil strife. One of the world’s poorest nations, Cote d’Ivoire ranks 166th out of 179 countries on the UN Human Development Index, in part because political turmoil continues to slow foreign investment and economic growth. To help solve this dilemma, the government is working to diversify the predominantly agricultural economy. The country’s public health situation is dire. The child mortality rate is 195 out of 1000, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), particularly soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis (LF), plague the population. Over 50% of the 20.6 million Ivoirians are at risk of infection, with more than 6 million cases reported and many Ivoirians suffering from multiple NTDs. These diseases are among the leading causes of disability in the country.
Current Effort
The Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene, with support from international organizations and local communities, has shown a commitment to NTD control. In 2007, the National Schistosomiasis, Soil-Transmitted Helminth, and Lymphatic Filariasis Control Program (PNL-SGF) was officially established. Among other tasks, the PNL-SGF leads mass drug administration campaigns, improves community hygiene to reduce both infection and transmission, and strengths operational and managerial capacity in-country. One particular area of focus is empowering schools to conduct effective deworming campaigns. Onchocerciasis treatment programs are also in place, and now target communities in all 19 regions of the country.
Only about 90,000 Ivoirians were treated through MDA campaigns from 2004 to 2007. However, more of the country can now be covered, and these small-scale interventions have shown great potential. With appropriate funding and training, populations beyond the reach of current efforts can be treated. An integrated treatment plan has been prepared with the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), designed to coordinate LF, schistosomiasis, and STH control and elimination activities in 31 districts over five years.
Remaining Gap
Additional funding of about $17.2 million over five years is needed to leverage government investments to effectively implement Cote d’Ivoire’s integrated NTD control program. Expanded treatment coverage aims to cut the prevalence rates of LF, STH, and schistosomiasis in half in five years. To support NTD control efforts in Cote d’Ivoire, please
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