Malaria threatens virtually all of Cote d’Ivoire’s 20 million people, making it one of the most endemic countries in Africa. The World Health Organization in Cote d’Ivoire estimated as many as 9.6 million cases in 2010 and as many as 28,400 deaths. Since 2008, when the organization began counting confirmed malaria cases, admissions and deaths, the number rose dramatically until 2010 and then fell, possibly because civil war disrupted health systems, preventing families from accessing treatment and health workers from collecting reliable data. During this crisis, media reports showed that many malaria commodities were scarce or unavailable in the most affected regions. 

Today, malaria control is again a national priority under the leadership of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, who came to power in April 2011. Three Global Fund grants worth more than $150 million are aiding reconstruction efforts, benefitting pregnant women and children under 5 years of age. Without such aid, children in Cote d’Ivoire may suffer 1 to 6 malaria episodes per year. Ivorians are currently undertaking a major challenge to reduce the impact of malaria following the distribution of over 7 million long lasting nets. 

It is within this context that the United Against Malaria partnership launched in Cote d’Ivoire, uniting public and private sector leaders, footballers, and malaria stakeholders to leverage the popularity of football to raise awareness and funds for the fight against malaria.

UAM private sector partners in Cote d'Ivoire

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Private sector partners:

• Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricite
• Caisse Nationale de Prevoyance Sociale
• Librairie de France
• MTN-CI
• Societe d’Exploitation Petroliere de Cote d’Ivoire
• Banque Internationale pour le Commerce et l’Industrie de la Cote d’Ivoire
• Coalition des Entreprises de Cote d’Ivoire (CECI)

UAM looking forward

One of Africa’s best football teams, the national team of Cote d’Ivoire is poised to carry the UAM message forward during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The private sector partnership is also growing, thanks to inspired leaders who have committed to ending needless deaths from malaria in the country. Finally, high-level support within the government will help ensure that Cote d’Ivoire’s malaria control program has the resources it has to sustain these gains.