At the closing of the 5th African Medical Tourism Congress, themed "Cooperation and Investment in the Health Sector in Africa," Pierre N'Gou Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, proposed three key strategies to position Africa as a leading destination for medical tourism. The event took place on Friday, November 29, 2024, in Abidjan-Cocody, in the presence of Ivorian Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Siandou Fofana, representatives of international health institutions, and numerous technical and financial partners.
According to the minister, the three strategies are:
- Massive Investment in Modern, Suitable Infrastructure: This will meet the healthcare needs of our populations while attracting international patients.
- Strengthening the Skills and Capacities of African Healthcare Professionals: This will ensure they become champions of excellence in their respective fields.
- Fostering Strong Regional and International Cooperation: This will create a solid network to enhance healthcare systems and services.
Pierre N'Gou Dimba praised the collective ambition to transform Africa’s healthcare landscape, making medical tourism a strategic lever for building a resilient, competitive, and attractive Africa. He also highlighted the efforts of the Ivorian government, which is committed to making healthcare a fundamental pillar of national development.
"Through initiatives such as Sublime Côte d'Ivoire and the Abidjan Medical City program, we are working to position our country as a regional hub for medical excellence," he stated.
The 5th African Medical Tourism Congress, which began on November 27, was organized by Leader Expo and the West African Federation of the Private Health Sector (FOASPS) with the support of the Private Health Sector Platform of Côte d'Ivoire (PSPSCI).