Côte d'Ivoire and the United States officially launched the Joint Steering Committee for their health partnership on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Abidjan. This body is responsible for overseeing the five-year memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations to modernize the Ivorian health system.

The inaugural session brought together the Ivorian Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre Dimba, and the Chargé d'affaires of the United States Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, Junaid Munir.

A massive 5-year financing plan (2026-2030)

Established under the bilateral agreement concluded on December 30, 2025, this committee will ensure the proper execution of the financial and technical commitments of both partners:

1. Ivory Coast's effort: The Ivorian government will invest 75 billion CFA francs in the purchase of essential medicines and medical equipment. Furthermore, the country is committed to progressively increasing its national health budget to 195 billion CFA francs by 2030.
2. American support: Washington will make a major contribution estimated at nearly 292 billion FCFA over the same period.

Focus on healthcare self-sufficiency and private investment

The ambition of this project goes beyond simple financial aid. The two countries share a long-term vision focused on the sustainability and independence of Côte d'Ivoire.

"This committee marks an important step [...]. The United States is committed to supporting a transition to a health system that is increasingly funded and led by Côte d'Ivoire," Junaid Munir emphasized.

This partnership aims to achieve three major objectives:

1. Reduce Ivory Coast's dependence on international aid by consolidating its health sovereignty.
2. To ensure transparent and responsible management of public investments.
3. Involve the American private sector by mobilizing its expertise and technological innovations to create new economic opportunities between the two nations.