Diene Keita, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), arrived in Ivory Coast on September 21, 2025, for high-level talks aimed at expanding cooperation on sexual and reproductive health.
Ivory Coast as a Regional Example
Keita explained why she chose Ivory Coast as her first destination: “This country stands out as a beacon of hope in West Africa. Its social and economic progress is remarkable.”
However, she emphasized that challenges remain. Maternal deaths are still high, contraceptive access is limited, and teenage pregnancy rates remain a pressing concern.
Youth at the Center of Change
The UNFPA chief stressed the importance of reproductive health services for young people. “When adolescents have access to these services, we see a sharp decline in early pregnancies,” she noted.
According to her, empowering girls to avoid early motherhood keeps them in school longer and improves future job prospects.
Significant Progress Achieved
Collaboration between UNFPA and the Ivorian government has already yielded results:
-
Maternal mortality dropped from 614 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2012 to 385 in 2021.
-
Contraceptive use increased from 12.5% to 18% during the same period.
These improvements highlight the impact of sustained investments in women’s health.
Building Stronger Partnerships
During her visit, Keita is holding meetings with government officials and partners to build on these gains. UNFPA’s goal is to help Ivory Coast address remaining health challenges while driving sustainable development through stronger health systems and youth empowerment initiatives.
