The fight against child labor: The First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, donates an ambulance to the people of Ebrah

On Sunday January 5, 2025, the First Lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, presented an ambulance to the people of Ebrah, in the Grand-Bassam department.

The ceremony took place in the royal palace. It was attended by His Majesty Ahoba Pie X Joseph Aïpri, King of Ebrah, Mrs Chantal Poaty, advisor and representative of the First Lady, and several other personalities.

This gesture of solidarity, which strengthens the local healthcare system and improves access to emergency care, is part of the First Lady's commitment to combat child exploitation, trafficking and child labor. Once again, this initiative bears witness to her commitment to the well-being of the Ivorian people.

Mrs Chantal Poaty, representing the First Lady, explained that, this ambulance donation will help combat child labor in the area. According to Mrs Poaty, deteriorating health and parents' lack of access to health facilities can lead to the exploitation of children in order to provide for the family. “When a parent falls ill (...) and is unable to travel to the hospital for appropriate care, in the long run he or she may lose the ability to work and look after the family”, explained Mrs Chantal Poaty. If the family is not supported, the children may be forced to drop out of school and work to support the family. “It is for all these reasons that the First Lady, President of the CNS, through this donation, wants to contribute to the fight against child labor. Because healthy parents can work to look after their families, and healthy children can go to school with peace of mind to prepare for their future”, declared Mrs Chantal Poaty, Advisor to the First Lady.

The local authorities and people of Ebrah expressed their gratitude to Mrs Dominique Ouattara for this kind action. Pr Jean-Claude Ndindin, representing Dr Eugène Aka Aouélé, President of the Regional Council of the South Comoe, thanked the First Lady for this life-saving gift. For him, this new ambulance is much more than a gift; it represents a valuable contribution to the policy of providing people with access to healthcare.

Mr. Amadou Bayaki, second Deputy Mayor of Grand-Bassam, paid a heartfelt tribute to the First Lady for the donation. For him, the ambulance will facilitate access to health facilities for the people of Ebrah.

On behalf of the King of Ebrah, Mr Eric Koffi, spokesman for the population, thanked the generous donor.

Mrs Chantal Poaty also donated 2,500,000 F CFA to the people of Ebrah.