Cote d'Ivoire

In November 2022, Côte d'Ivoire joined the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children and finalized a costed paediatric plan for 2023-2025, thanks to the advocacy and technical support from the Joint Programme (UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat). The Government further adopted the plan for the triple elimination of vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and scaled up integration of HIV into the health system (UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS Secretariat). Around 1500 healthcare providers benefited from capacity building initiatives to improve the quality of and access to prevention of vertical transmission of HIV and paediatric services. Further contributing to this, a newly established telephone appointment reminder system led by community healthcare workers enabled 15 082 pregnant and lactating women to keep their HIV testing appointments. As a result, 99% of the children born to mothers living with HIV received antiretroviral prophylaxis within 72 hours, and 86% of children born to HIV-positive mothers were tested before 2 months (UNICEF). As part of a family outreach testing initiative, 44 019 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years and over 4850 sexual partners were tested for HIV and the people who tested positive were enrolled on treatment, thanks to the Joint Programme’s support. Transportation of blood and other samples from health centres to reference laboratories was also facilitated, increasing timely diagnosis for 29 721 tests and treatment initiation among women and children across the country (UNICEF). In addition, an audit of 60 vertical transmission of HIV cases strengthened evidence for programming (WHO).

In the area of gender equality, 350 000 people, including men and boys improved their literacy on gender inequality, gender-based violence, HIV, female genital mutilation and child marriage through trainings and information campaigns led by the 130 Instituts de Formation et d'Education Féminine (IFEF). In 2022, in partnership with the Youth Employment Agency, 40 female sex workers were also empowered to design and set up small enterprises; and peer educators who were trained on gender-based violence case management referred 35 female sex workers who were survivors of gender-based violence to appropriate care and support services (UN Women).  

In collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and the national network of people living with HIV (RIP+), over 300 people, including human rights officers, government officials, senators, deputies and representatives from networks of people living with HIV and key populations improved their knowledge and capacity to uphold the rights of people living with HIV and key populations and address all forms of stigma and discrimination. Ten regional action plans were also developed to overcome stigma and discrimination in health facilities and communities (UNDP, UNAIDS Secretariat).  

Côte d'Ivoire adopted an HIV and gender sensitive national social protection strategy 2024-2028 to ensure the health and wellbeing of its citizens. In addition, 110 representatives of networks of people living with HIV, key populations and people with disabilities in 12 regions received training on the existing social protection system and produced individual action plans to raise awareness among their peers (UNICEF, UN Women, ILO, UNAIDS Secretariat).