Health & Education

After the return to political stability and peace in 2012, the health care sector has been an area of focus for the government and the private sector alike. In recent years, the government has worked to expand hospital infrastructure alongside universal access to health care. Greater regulation and integration of private sector players is also a top priority of the government, particularly given continuing gaps in access to care outside of urban centres. There has been significant progress on rebuilding the country’s education system, with various initiatives bearing fruit. This is evidenced by the number of new schools, the recruitment drive for teachers and legislation making school compulsory for children aged six to 16. In the longer run, the government seeks to expand the sector’s capacity by implementing innovative education technology solutions and encouraging students to explore technical and vocational education and training institutions.

This chapter contains interviews with Pierre Dimba, Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage; and Moussa Diaby, Director-General, Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny.