Abidjan, 10 May 2011 -- The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, em-barked on an official visit to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on Monday 9 May 2011.

The aim of the visit was to assess the impact of the post-electoral conflict on the health of people.

The Regional Director paid a courtesy call on His Excellency, Guillaume SORO, Prime Minister of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

They discussed a range of issues pertaining to health care reforms and immediate response to public health care needs.

The Prime Minister noted with appreciation WHO’s contributions to health development in Cote d’Ivoire particularly during the crisis in the country. “On behalf of the President, the Government and entire people of Cote d’Ivoire, I would like to thank WHO for its continued assistance. I am convinced that WHO will do more in this particular circumstance”, he said.

Dr Sambo regretted the loss of human lives and expressed his deep condolences to the rela-tives and loved ones of those killed during the conflict. He exhorted the Government to con-tinue efforts to ensure the rehabilitation of the country’s health infrastructure, the treatment of the injured and the provision of essential health care across the country. He reiterated WHO’s commitment to support Côte d’Ivoire to address the ongoing health challenges.

During the visit, Dr Sambo led a WHO delegation to meet Dr Rémi Allah-Kouadio, the Ivorian Minister of Health and Public Hygiene and other high ranking officials of the Ministry. The two parties held a working session on the current health situation in Côte d’Ivoire.

Their discussions focused on the impact of the post-electoral crisis on the country's health system; the availability of, and accessibility to, medicines; disease surveillance; routine im-munization, poliomyelitis eradication and humanitarian assistance.

In his remarks, the Regional Director pledged WHO’s continued support to Côte d’Ivoire saying “WHO has been in Côte d’Ivoire, before the crisis, during the crisis and after the crisis”. He added that WHO will provide technical support in updating the country’s strategic health plan as well as finalizing the National Health Emergency Plan.

As part of his itinerary, the Regional Director and his delegation also visited the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Cocody to meet some of the injured due to the crisis.

Earlier during the day, Dr Sambo met with the acting Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Côte d’Ivoire and the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations.

For further information, please contact :

Collins Boakye-Agyemang,
Communications & Advocacy Officer
Regional Director’s Office

World Health Organization Africa Regional Office
B.P. 06Djoue,
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

E-mail: boakyec [at] afro.who.int
Telephone: 00 472 413 9420