Dr. Mamadou Kandji (center in blue), TCI’s chief of party for Francophone West Africa, reaches out to women attending a free Family Planning Special Day in Koumassi.
A delegation visiting a primary health facility supported by The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in the commune of Koumassi in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, witnessed the power of TCI’s work supporting local governments in scaling up high-impact practices and other interventions. Led by Aparajita Ramakrishnan, the Director of Family Planning (FP) at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the delegation also included Rodio Diallo, FP Program Officer at the Foundation, representatives from TCI and the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, and the Director of the Koumassi Health District. The visit took place during the 2023 Ouagadougou Partnership Coordination Unit (OPCU) annual meeting.
After a warm welcome from the facility staff, the delegation visited all of the service entry points within the facility. The primary objective of the visit was to assess the facility’s operations and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of TCI’s interventions in Koumassi.
This visit not only highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders but also emphasized the transformative processes initiated by TCI. According to the Director of the Koumassi Health District:
This visit marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance reproductive health services and community well-being in Koumassi. It reflects a harmonious collaboration between local and international entities, all working towards a healthier and more prosperous future.”
A notable moment during the visit was the lively exchange between the delegation and women participating in a free Family Planning Special Day (FPSD). The Q&A session proved to be both fruitful and instructive, providing an exceptional opportunity for these women to share their experiences, concerns and successes in the field of reproductive health.
Looking ahead, the impact of this visit serves as a beacon of hope for a healthier and more empowered future not only for Koumassi but also other communities in Cote d’Ivoire.
