Côte d’Ivoire/[Gbêkê Region] « AMPLIFY-PSY » Project: A New Breath for Women’s Mental Health

Bouaké- The conference room of the regional prefecture hosted the launch workshop of the « AMPLIFY-PSY » project, an initiative by the NGO Mindful Change Foundation Côte d’Ivoire (MCF-CI) aimed at improving the mental health of women of childbearing age suffering from mental disorders in the Gbêkê region. The project, carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Health through the National Mental Health Program Directorate, will run from June to October 2025.

Mobilization of local actors and challenges

Prof. Koua Asseman Médard, Coordinator of the National Mental Health Program (PNSM), expressed his gratitude to the partners, notably the Atlantique Group Foundation and the Spanish Recover Foundation, while commending the prefectural body for its support. He reminded that mental health is a pillar of development. “When a population is mentally healthy, development follows. I congratulate the prefectural body for its unwavering support to the NGO Mindful Change Foundation.” he said

Allah Apkolai, Deputy Director of Educational, Social, and Health Affairs at the Bouaké City Hall, representing Mayor Amadou Koné, emphasized the importance the city hall places on population health and social protection. He called for synergy among all actors to ensure the project’s success. “The mayor of the Bouaké municipality attaches great importance to the health of the population and social protection. That is why we support this project and call for a synergy of action among all actors for the success of this project.” he indicated.  Jean François Vanié, Secretary General of the Bouaké prefecture, called for collective mobilization;“I invite you to fully invest yourselves for the success of this project. Together, let’s act for the health and well-being of our mothers.” he called

A structuring project for maternal mental health

The AMPLIFY-PSY project plans specific training for three midwives on maternal and infant mental health. It includes free medical care for at least 100 women of childbearing age. Psychological support sessions will be held twice a month, open to affected women as well as other community members. The project will implement data collection and work tools for health professionals. Regular supervision and capacity building of key actors will ensure the quality and sustainability of interventions. Activities will take place in several health facilities in the northeast district of Gbêkê, notably in Brobo, Bounda, and Saminikro, areas identified for their high need for mental health services.

A response to stigma and vulnerability

Joëlle Trazouo, Head of Operations at MCF-CI, recalled the deep motivations of the project, mentioning the reality of pregnant women or women of childbearing age who are victims of gender-based violence, often stigmatized and rejected. The choice of Brobo is also explained by the presence of an association of people living with mental illness. According to the Head of Operations, more than 500 patients in this locality live with a mental illness.

The launch of AMPLIFY-PSY marks a key step for maternal mental health in Côte d’Ivoire, offering tailored support to vulnerable women and contributing to the well-being and harmonious development of local communities.

François M’BRA II