As part of his official mission to Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly, Pierre N’Gou Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, called for stronger mobilization and sustainable financing in the fight against malaria. He made the appeal on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, during the Ministerial Meeting on Malaria held on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly.
Held under the theme “Delivering Africa’s Big Push Together,” the high-level meeting was organized by RBM Partnership to End Malaria in partnership with the African Union and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance.
Discussions focused on sustainable financing for malaria control, strengthening health systems, innovation, climate resilience, malaria vaccination, and the need for greater multisectoral mobilization to achieve malaria elimination by 2030.
During the ministerial panel, Pierre N’Gou Dimba shared Côte d’Ivoire’s experience and highlighted the major reforms undertaken by the Ivorian government to intensify the fight against malaria, which remains a major public health issue.
The minister noted that malaria still accounts for nearly 30% of consultations in health facilities across the country, despite progress made in reducing mortality rates.
In response to this challenge, he reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to strengthening domestic financing and strategic partnerships with the Global Fund and other international partners.
Pierre N’Gou Dimba also highlighted several initiatives implemented by Côte d’Ivoire, including the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying, environmental sanitation efforts, the introduction of the malaria vaccine, and the strengthening of community-based prevention activities.
The Health Minister stressed the importance of a multisectoral approach involving the education, environment, sanitation, and local government sectors in order to sustainably address the environmental causes contributing to the spread of malaria.
He finally praised the decisive role played by international partners, particularly the Global Fund, in supporting African countries’ efforts to eliminate malaria.