Côte d’Ivoire

The Need

Côte d’Ivoire is a small coastal country in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a total population of nearly 30 million people. A developing economy, the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is well under 3,627 U.S. dollars, indicating a very low standard of living. The total expenditure on health per capita is $131.00. There are continual shortages of necessary medical equipment, supplies, and medicine, and there are large regional discrepancies with most of the healthcare professionals found in Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d’Ivoire, and Abidjan, the administrative center on the coast.

Our Work

Clinics for this mission will take place in small regions of Côte d’Ivoire.  Our efforts are directed towards rural cities, villages of around 5,000 to 100,000 people. Most tropical-type diseases are common along with health-related issues like respiratory illnesses, ulcers, etc. Patients are also in need of dental care and eye care. If and when the need arises for advanced care or wraparound services, the local staff will take the lead. You will have the opportunity to provide community health and hygiene education along with medical care and dental care to countless patients during the week.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

IMR’s long-term plan is to create a sustainable model of affordable health care to serve rural populations in Côte d’Ivoire while working within the local healthcare system. This joint effort will increase the capacity of the local system via donations of medical supplies and materials, along with training for healthcare professionals.

The implementation of our plans to improve primary care and workforce capacity will require high-quality and scalable healthcare in these rural areas.

Good health is the cornerstone of self-reliance. We hope to bring one of the most pressing issues in development and resilience to a tipping point over the next 3-5 years. We hope that you value the chance to join us to act as catalysts for this needed change.

Lodging/Transportation

You and your fellow team members will be accommodated at a safe, clean, and comfortable lodging during the duration of your IMR clinical trip. Transportation will be provided to and from clinic each day. Airport transportation to meet up with the team can be purchased individually. Simply log in to your account and add it under Trip Add-Ons.

Highlights

Côte d’Ivoire is a stunner, shingled with starfish-studded sands, palm-tree forests, and roads so orange they resemble strips of bronzing powder. Côte d’Ivoire is a country of extremes: a land of pulsating metropolises and pristine rainforests, vast churches and verdant hills, fancy restaurants and sprawling street stalls.

Côte d’Ivoire’s true beauty really shines through, though, when you get out of the cities.  There are nine national parks in the country including Comoé, the largest protected area in West Africa, which boasts the most biodiverse savannah in the world.  Expect to see anything from lions and leopards to aardvarks and African elephants.  The pygmy hippos of Tai National Park are also a big draw for naturalists, while the beautiful beaches around the San Pedro Assine and Grand Bassam attract the crowds.

Extend Your Stay

You’re venturing around the globe. Have you considered extending your stay a few additional days to explore nearby Senegal? Join IMR on an exclusive three-day extension! Rich with colonial heritage and many natural attractions, Senegal is known for its exciting safaris, nightlife, and historical museums. While in Senegal, experience the wildly unique Lac Rose, a pink saltwater lake, plus the tiny, car-free island of Gorée and the House of Slaves museum. Take a look at the trip itinerary.

For more information on this extension and others in Africa, contact Worldwide Navigators, our preferred travel agency, at travel@worldwidenavigators.com

Itinerary at a Glance