Abidjan, April 4, 2024 – In a significant step towards advancing autism awareness and support, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre Dimba, has launched a nationwide campaign dubbed "Blue April." This initiative aligns with the annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day and aims to transform the challenges surrounding autism into positive opportunities for understanding and inclusion.
Progress and Initiatives in Autism Care in Ivory Coast
During the launch, Minister Dimba highlighted the advancements made by Côte d'Ivoire in autism care. He noted the crucial role of the Reference Center for Autism in Children at the National Institute of Public Health in Abidjan (INSP), a dedicated facility focused on providing specialized autism support.
Underscoring the importance of widespread access to care, the Minister outlined the ongoing decentralization efforts to integrate autism screening and management capabilities into the country's ten regional centers of health excellence. This strategic move brings essential services closer to communities across the nation.
Ivory Coast's Commitment to Strengthening Autism Support
Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to enhancing autism care is further exemplified through the development of national directives aimed at empowering healthcare professionals of diverse specialties. These guidelines are instrumental in equipping doctors, nurses, midwives, and community workers with the necessary skills to identify and address autism effectively within their respective roles.
The country has also made commendable strides in bolstering its specialized workforce. Notable among these is the training and deployment of speech therapists to various Regional Health Centers of Excellence. The goal is to ensure the availability of these specialized services in all major healthcare hubs by 2025.
Additionally, the introduction of focused training programs for midwives and nurses in child mental health, with a particular emphasis on developmental disorders like autism, is significantly strengthening the existing healthcare infrastructure.
Understanding Autism in Ivory Coast
Based on international estimates, approximately 1% of young people in Côte d'Ivoire are diagnosed with autism. This translates to around 225,000 children aged 0 to 17 living with autism in the country. The "Blue April" campaign plays a vital role in raising awareness about this condition and promoting inclusivity for these individuals.
World Autism Awareness Day
Since its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd has served as a global call to action. It encourages nations to promote understanding and foster supportive environments for individuals with autism. Côte d'Ivoire's "Blue April" campaign stands in solidarity with this worldwide effort, driving positive change within its borders.
