On 31 October, the Prefect of the Gôh Region, Gagnoa Department, issued a new Directive establishing a committee handling complaints regarding healthcare provision in Gagnoa, Ivory Coast. This commendable decision is the result of the relentless advocacy carried out by the community-led monitoring committee established by the Mouvement Ivoirien des Droits Humains (MIDH) with GI-ESCR’s support based on our joint Participatory Action Research (PAR) report on access to healthcare in Gagnoa. 

In the report, we recommended the strict monitoring and regulation of all healthcare providers and the setting up of a committee to ensure quality patient reception. Our overall aim is to promote quality healthcare provision for all. 

As part of our PAR advocacy developed between July and October 2024, the community-led monitoring committee engaged with several authorities, including the Prefect of the Gôh Region, Gagnoa Department, who assured they would take the necessary measures to implement the recommendations of our PAR report for the welfare of the people of Gagnoa. 

To our great satisfaction, the Prefect of the Gôh Region issued Arrêté N° 119/RG/PG/CAB du 31 octobre 2024 portant création, attributions, organisation et fonctionnement du Comité de Gestion des Plaintes des Districts Sanitaires de Gagnoa1 et 2. Under this Directive on the creation, mandate, organisation, and functioning of the Complaint Management Committee in the Gagnoa 1 and 2 Health Districts, the Committee is tasked with: 

• Receiving, registering, and processing all complaints and claims from the general public; 
• Deciding on applications and complaints independently and impartially; 
• The strengthening and expansion of the healthcare social protection system in the Department. 

The Complaint Management Committee was officially inaugurated on 5 November 2024 and comprises 16 members, including decision-makers and three members of the community-led monitoring committee established by the Mouvement Ivoirien des Droits Humains (MIDH) with GI-ESCR’s support. The 3 members of the community-led monitoring committee with one representative of women’s organisations, one Gagnoa traditional leader, and one religious leader. 

Together with MIDH, we commend the Ivorian Ministry of Health, the Prefect of the Gôh Region, and all relevant authorities for working hand-in-hand with the community to ensure accountability in the healthcare system in Gagnoa, and hope this initiative will spread across the whole country. 

Finally, we thank our long-standing partner, MIDH, the monitoring committee, and the community in Gagnoa for the impactful Participatory Action Research and Advocacy done to promote access to quality healthcare for all, including marginalised groups.