Ivory Coast has signed a landmark bilateral health agreement with the United States worth $487 million, aimed at reinforcing the country’s health system and improving its ability to prevent, detect, and respond to major diseases.
The agreement prioritizes strengthening disease surveillance and expanding health services to tackle HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Ivorian Prime Minister Beugre Mambe said the deal reflects the United States’ new global health strategy, which places greater emphasis on national ownership of health programs.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mambe noted that the partnership encourages countries to mobilize their own resources while working closely with international partners to confront pressing public health challenges.
Under the agreement, part of the funding will be directed toward enhancing Ivory Coast’s epidemic preparedness by integrating U.S.-supported health initiatives into the national health system. Officials said this approach is intended to improve coordination, ensure sustainability, and strengthen public health services nationwide.
U.S. Ambassador to Ivory Coast Jessica Davis Ba underscored the long-term nature of the partnership, saying lasting progress in health must be supported by investments in energy and infrastructure. She described cooperation between the two countries as key to their shared vision for future development.
Health Minister Pierre Demba said the deal signals a move toward stronger national leadership in managing health financing. He added that Ivory Coast plans to gradually take over responsibility for external funding, allowing international assistance to better align with national priorities.
The agreement is expected to significantly transform Ivory Coast’s health sector over the next five years, with a strong focus on HIV/AIDS. An estimated 420,000 people were living with the virus in the country last year, highlighting the scale of the challenge the partnership aims to address.
