During its annual meeting in Abidjan, which was attended by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, members of Côte d’Ivoire’s national AIDS council reiterated their pledge to Fast-Track their response to end the country’s AIDS epidemic.
President Alassane Ouattara, who leads the national AIDS council, told delegates that no one should be left behind and pointed to recent legislation passed by parliament to end stigma and discrimination against people affected by HIV.
During the meeting, President Ouattara also welcomed innovative funding streams originating from taxes on tobacco products and air travel, which have contributed to a national solidarity fund aimed at accelerating the response to the epidemic.
It is estimated that 370 000 people in Côte d’Ivoire are living with HIV, with just one in three currently accessing antiretroviral treatment.
“We are determined to pursue our efforts in the HIV response and to protect our country against Ebola. I am convinced that improving health indicators are a sign of sustainable development in Côte d’Ivoire.”
President Alassane Ouattara
“Sustainable development depends on the education and good health of the country’s men and women.”
Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire
“Côte d’Ivoire has bent the trajectory of the AIDS epidemic and it is crucial that no one is left behind. An AIDS-free generation could be the best political legacy in an emerging Côte d’Ivoire.”
Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director
