Speeches Shim
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/09-09-2020/ureport3.jpg?itok=5lUskvxt)
In times of crisis, communication is key. From the moment the first cases of the coronavirus appeared in Côte d’Ivoire, it was clear, getting information to the masses that raised awareness, reassured people of safety and provided the right information to Ivorians was vital. Answering the need to quickly communicate to the masses, the U-Report, an interactive platform used by nearly 2,500,000 young people, aged between 20-24 was launched. The dynamic digital media platform engaged young people who were ready to take action for positive change in their community through various tools, partnerships and platforms put in place in the past few years and that are now used for emergency communications.
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/09-09-2020/20200812142015.jpg?itok=rW9AbdkO)
Drive four hours from Abidjan, the economic capital, toward the center of the country to the city of Bouaké, and there you will find Camera Assetou with buckets, colourant and determination. Carefully staying physically distant from others, she proudly shows other women how to mix and pour, all making liquid soap and making money. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the government of Cote d’Ivoire has enforced social distancing rules, curfews and public health safety restrictions that have affected how many conduct businesses in public. The related social barriers, which impacted both the national and local economies, also negatively impacted the city of Bouaké, the second largest city of Côte d’Ivoire.
On March 11, 2020 the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Cote d’Ivoire. And, reports of the virus drove deep concern throughout many communities. It also drove Ivorians like Yao Kouassi, a driver at the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Côte d’Ivoire office toward quick action aimed at helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/03-10-2020/pmimidwife1.jpeg?itok=wbqE99e5)
A warm, energetic hum seems to follow Amichia Solange as she goes from patient to patient, sharing goodbye hugs as each woman heads out the door. At Mouyassue Rural Health Center in Côte d’Ivoire, Amichia is one half of the indispensable duo that provides medical care to women throughout all stages of pregnancy. Amichia and her fellow midwife see more than 400 pregnant women a year. What these pregnant women learn from Amichia, if they don’t already know, is that malaria infection in pregnancy is a major threat to their lives and the health of their babies.
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/03-09-2020/pmimidwife1.jpeg?itok=rQ6VoNSH)
A warm, energetic hum seems to follow Amichia Solange as she goes from patient to patient, sharing goodbye hugs as each woman heads out the door. At Mouyassue Rural Health Center in Côte d’Ivoire, Amichia is one half of the indispensable duo that provides medical care to women throughout all stages of pregnancy. Amichia and her fellow midwife see more than 400 pregnant women a year. What these pregnant women learn from Amichia, if they don’t already know, is that malaria infection in pregnancy is a major threat to their lives and the health of their babies.
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