Côte d’Ivoire has taken an important step in strengthening its fight against poliovirus with the launch of an upgraded laboratory in Abidjan. The facility, based at the Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, is designed to improve the detection and timely response to polio cases, ensuring children are better protected from the debilitating disease.
The new laboratory will reduce turnaround time for analyzing both environmental surveillance samples and Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases, allowing health authorities to act faster and more effectively. According to Dr. Pierre N’gou Dimba, Minister of Health, the facility represents a vital addition to the country’s public health system and a safeguard for children’s health.
A major highlight of the upgrade is the adoption of Direct Detection using MinION poliovirus sequencing. This portable technology allows scientists to read the virus’s genetic code locally, eliminating the need to send samples abroad. Previously, Côte d’Ivoire depended on laboratories in South Africa, which delayed detection and response efforts. Dr. Lucien Manga, WHO Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, emphasized that the renovated laboratory marks a significant milestone toward halting transmission and achieving a polio-free world.
By 2026, Côte d’Ivoire will join the ranks of African countries with full laboratory capacity for poliovirus detection. The World Health Organization, supported by the Gates Foundation and working alongside the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, spearheaded the refurbishment. The project included modern equipment upgrades, improved information systems, and advanced staff training, as well as enhanced surveillance sites to better detect and respond to outbreaks.
Recent figures highlight the importance of these efforts. In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire reported 31 detections of variant poliovirus type 2, followed by two more cases this year, which were swiftly addressed. In February 2025, nearly 10 million children across 113 districts were vaccinated with the novel oral polio vaccine type 2, demonstrating the scale of the country’s response.
Beyond polio, the upgraded laboratory is expected to improve integrated surveillance strategies and strengthen overall disease monitoring in line with global eradication goals. Dr. Manga noted that this facility positions Côte d’Ivoire at the forefront of West Africa’s fight against polio, boosting the region’s ability to detect the virus earlier and stop its spread more effectively.
