Ivory Coast: A Fresh Start for the ACEPT Project

Edited by: Salam karmass

Yesterday, Ivory Coast officially launched the ACEPT initiative (Expanded Access to Contraception through Pharmacies for All), a groundbreaking program led by the Ministry of Health. This innovative effort marks a turning point in the country’s healthcare history by integrating private pharmacies into the distribution of contraceptives for the first time, aiming to improve women’s access to family planning services.

Since gaining independence, Ivory Coast has faced numerous challenges in maternal and reproductive health. Despite progress, maternal mortality rates remain high. In this context, ACEPT—funded since 2022 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—is part of a broader regional effort to strengthen healthcare systems across Francophone West and Southern Africa. The project seeks to bring contraceptive services closer to the population through an expanded network of private pharmacies, a resource until now largely untapped.

Bédou Sylvestre, representing the Minister of Health, emphasized that this innovative approach addresses the specific needs of women, especially those in rural or underserved areas. The initiative aligns with national efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality, a critical goal for the country. Mingué Niasse, ACEPT’s regional director, highlighted the importance of training pharmacists and updating legal frameworks to ensure the sustainability of this new service.

Managed by the NGO DKT International, the project supports Ivory Coast’s ambition to lower maternal mortality to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. ACEPT thus opens a new chapter in the country’s reproductive health history, offering a localized and innovative response to a pressing public health challenge.