Director General joins TDDA meeting, thanking us for our work to strengthen integrated health security.
The Tackling deadly diseases in Africa (TDDA) team met this month in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to develop international and in-country plans for the fourth year of the programme. We reflected on the lessons of our last three years of work on the ground and looked strategically at how we can secure the progress we have achieved for the long term.
We were honoured to be joined by Prof Samba Mamadou, Director General of Health in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as his Deputy, Dr. Koné Blaise.
Prof Samba Mamadou, Director General of Health, said:
“The Ministry of Health is engaged in every aspect of the TDDA programme. Health security is a multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional strategic priority and I appreciate the continuation of TDDA efforts to support its integration in the Ivoirian system”.
Among TDDA focus countries, Côte d’Ivoire is a shining example, demonstrating what’s possible to achieve in health security. Reflecting on the progress to date, Dr. Koné highlighted the government’s commitment to fully embed the One Health approach and to support civil society engagement in Health Security initiatives, remarking on the key role they can play in tackling vaccine hesitancy.
Aristide Dionkounda, TDDA Country Coordinator in Côte d’Ivoire, responded:
“We’re so grateful for the government support on this. It’s heartening for TDDA, as preparing civil society organizations to assist in health security interventions is a key part of our approach.”
Working closely with governments to strengthen health systems in line with national priorities is part of our approach and an important factor in our success. It is one of the reasons why we are a trusted partner to national authorities across our five countries of operation. We help them deliver on their domestic health security agendas and their international obligations.
In conclusion, Jeff Mecaskey, TDDA team leader, added:
“The TDDA team, as well as our funder FCDO, are very encouraged by the progress we have made in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as in the other countries, where our support to national efforts leads to tangible improvements to strengthen the health system. We are proud to make a difference for Ivoirian people”.