Beneath the surface of COVID-19 realities lies greater dangers for Cote d’Ivoire and African nation-states. Several of our Ivorian friends anticipate that economic fallout from the response will outweigh the medical impact on who lives and dies. Family-run roadside businesses close. Gathered crops rot because of transport limitations in and out of the economic capital. The recent seasonal floods in Abidjan intensify the experienced losses. Continuing threats to national security by forces of centralization like Islamic extremists press, even where churches with whom we collaborate minister.

Abidjan UFHB Training 2018
CHE Small Group Exercise

The professor and his wife, who initiated public health CHE efforts at the university, share some of these analyses. The professor meets with masters and doctoral level students on their projects as holding classes is not an option for the foreseeable future. For that reason, we affirmed with them the cancellation of the annual UFHB training scheduled for September 14-18. While all anticipated the decision, it helped all to confirm it. Now we adjust our plans for the coming months.