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Background

In 1960, Ivory Coast (more officially known as Cote D’Ivoire) gained independence from France. It is considered one of the most prosperous West African countries due to its cocoa production and export as well as foreign investments. However, Cote D’Ivoire has faced political turmoil and, more recently, post-electoral conflicts in 2010-2011.

Economy

Cote d’Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, of which 68% of the population is engaged or employed in. Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans, as well as a substantial producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil.
Accordingly, the economy is very sensitive to variations in global prices for these products, and, to a lesser degree, changes in climate. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are responsible for the country’s topmost export revenue, but the country is also producing gold.
Since the end of the civil war in 2003, political turmoil has continued to damage the economy, resulting in the loss of foreign investment and slow economic growth. Cote d’Ivoire’s long term challenges include political instability and degrading infrastructure. About a quarter of the population lives below the international poverty line of $1.25 a day.

Health

The public medical services of Ivory Coast are more important than the small number of private physicians and clinics. In 2004, there were an estimated 9 physicians, 31 nurses, and 15 midwives per 100,000 people. In 2000, approximately 77% of the population had access to safe water. Total health care costs were estimated at 3.7% of GDP.
Life expectancy at birth was 41 for males in 2004; for females it was 47. Infant mortality was 118 of 1000 live births. There are 12 physicians per 100,000 people.

Major infectious diseases:
Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
Vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever
Water contact: schistosomiasis

Malaria Status

Malaria accounts for 43% of consultations in health facilities in Côte d’Ivoire.
The average rate of reported malaria incidence in the general population is 104 per 1000 inhabitants and 113 per 1000 in the district of Tiassalé.
Malaria is responsible for 40% of causes of absenteeism in schools and the workplace, and 50% loss of agricultural income. Between 23 and 27% of hospital deaths are due to malaria. People spend about 25% of their income for the prevention and treatment of this disease.