Embassy NewsCentre

Press Release

Humanitarian Organizations Express Gratitude to Ambassador for America’s Leadership as the Largest Donor in Côte d’Ivoire

During a breakfast in Ferkéssédougou, Ivorians and international humanitarian organization officials expressed their gratitude to the American Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Aubrey Hooks, for his country’s leading role in providing assistance to those in need throughout Côte d’Ivoire. The United States is the largest single country donor of aid to Côte d’Ivoire, statistics show.

This aid comes through bilateral programs such as the American Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), for which the United States provides 25 billions CFA a year, and another 100 billions CFA per year for United Nations agencies and peace keeping forces in Côte d’Ivoire. The Ambassador saw the benefits that this aid has brought to the people of the North and the West when he toured an HIV/AIDS laboratory and clinic that were built with American funds.

“The large level of aid that United States gives to Côte d’Ivoire is not known by most Ivorians. Yet we have seen on this trip the important role that it is playing in the North and West to bring peace, reconciliation and humanitarian assistance to those who need it  most,” said Ambassador Hooks.

“I have felt the significant impact of American aid in this region through my conversations with humanitarian workers, UN forces, and in the smile of the face of a woman, in Ouangolo, stricken with AIDS but still hopeful, thanks to the life-sustaining medicines she is receiving.”

The Ambassador stressed that the United States is ready to expand its development assistance to Côte d’Ivoire with the return of peace, reconciliation and election. United States has spent 500 billions CFA over the last 2 years to help rebuild Liberia.

Globally, it gives more money for humanitarian and development assistance than any other country.  While it gives large grant to Ivoirian and international institutions, there is also a substantial amount of funding available to local communities. The Ambassador directly provides self help grants to communities looking to establish micro finance projects.