FIGHT AGAINST MALNUTRITION: MINISTER PIERRE DIMBA CALLS FOR SYNERGY OF ACTION

Abidjan, December 06, 2022 - At the opening of the meeting of experts on the theme of the African Year of Nutrition, on December 06, 2022 in Abidjan, the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Coverage universal disease, Pierre Dimba, called for a synergy of action of all the actors involved in the fight against malnutrition.

"Malnutrition is a global problem with significant consequences for the life, health, growth and economic productivity of individuals and societies. Faced with these issues, it is important to join forces to meet the challenges in order to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition", insisted Pierre Dimba.

For the Minister of Health, this high-level meeting will be an opportunity to reflect on the nutritional quality of populations for their well-being. "The question of resilience in terms of nutrition and food security concerns us all", he underlined.

And to deplore that in Africa, 6.5% of children under the age of 5 suffered from malnutrition in 2020.

Pierre Dimba, also welcomed the implementation of development programs through institutional reforms and effective public policies, with increased investment in the nutrition sector.

He recalled that in Côte d'Ivoire, several initiatives have been taken to guarantee quality nutrition to the populations. These include, among other things, the establishment of an efficient agri-food system for access to quality food, the strengthening of the health system for an optimal healthcare offer, etc.

Finally, Minister Pierre Dimba called for a multi-sector approach in the response to malnutrition, an acceleration of actions to progress towards a sustainable system, equitable access to care and medicines at an affordable cost, etc.