Transforming Healthcare: Leveraging China-Africa Cooperation To Enhance Supply Chains In Ivory Coast
Zhang Wei
International Trade, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
Wang Jing
Lecturer, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
Abstract
The Ivory Coast, a thriving economy in West Africa, is witnessing a surge in healthcare demand, particularly for high-quality medicine and medical devices. This increased demand is fueled by growing public health awareness and government efforts to enhance medical safety. However, the country's healthcare supply chain system faces significant challenges, as highlighted by recent health crises, including the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks. China has emerged as a key player in Ivory Coast's healthcare sector, financing and constructing numerous hospitals to promote sustainable development. With a focus on rural healthcare development, Ivory Coast aims to allocate more fiscal resources to improve medical services, presenting opportunities in the medical device market. Despite the country's increasing healthcare expenditures, medical care remains limited, and medical equipment is scarce, with many medical procedures relying on manual methods. This reliance on imports for medical equipment and supplies underscores the need for domestic medical device manufacturing and highlights the significant market potential.