Côte d’Ivoire’s Healthcare Leap: ESPC Brings Clinics—and Hope—Closer to Home
In a bold and people-focused move, the government of Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening its national development path by putting human well-being at the center. At the heart of this transformation is the ESPC Program (Établissements Sanitaires de Premier Contact), a flagship initiative aimed at bridging the healthcare gap—especially for rural populations.
The goal is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every Ivorian is within five kilometers of a modern healthcare facility. From bustling towns to remote villages, the impact is already being felt. In places like Bokakokoré, where the closest doctor once meant hours of travel, new clinics are now just a short walk away. “Before, my child’s fever would keep me awake in fear,” says Aminata, a young mother in the region. “Now, we are treated with dignity and care—near our home.”
Since its launch, the portion of the ESPC program implemented by Mitrelli, foresees the construction and rehabilitation of 349 healthcare centers, complete with maternal and child health services, vaccination programs, and treatment for common illnesses. It is set to benefit over 13 million people—close to half the national population.
In the first phase of implementation, 171 fully equipped clinics have already been delivered across the country, marking a major milestone in the program’s rollout. This achievement was led by Mitrelli, an experienced Swiss-based international company with a strong footprint across Africa. Known for its ability to plan and execute national-scale, customized, turnkey solutions, Mitrelli brought its multidisciplinary expertise to ensure the clinics were delivered efficiently, working hand in hand with the government, local suppliers and communities.
The project has also created over 5,600 direct jobs, supported local employment and sourcing, and trained hundreds of personnel to manage the facilities sustainably.
Looking ahead, the ESPC is evolving—integrating telemedicine to connect remote regions to specialized care and further enhance service quality.
This healthcare effort is part of the government’s broader vision, including the “Water for All” initiative, which is extending clean drinking water to underserved regions—improving lives and preventing disease.
In Côte d’Ivoire, each new clinic is more than a building— it’s about development that put people at heart.
