The Mountain District was the first stage of the five-day mission of the high-level delegation led by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire and head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou. The delegation composed of representatives of United Nations agencies arrived in Man, some 600 km west of Abidjan, on Sunday, 23 February 2014.



The mission is part of the Special Representative's efforts to contribute to the promotion of national reconciliation, social cohesion, the restoration of confidence and national dialogue necessary to strengthen security, stability and lasting peace.



On its arrival in Man, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Prefect of the Region, Soro Kahaya Jérôme. Speaking to journalists at the end of the encounter, Mrs Mindaoudou explained the reason behind the mission. «I am here today at the head of a large United Nations delegation composed of my colleagues from UNDP, FAO, OCHA, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Bank. We are here to visit three regions, Cavally, Guémon and Tonkpi. We have come to discuss with the different communities, local and traditional authorities, women's associations and youth groups, in order to see how the United Nations can accompany the Region," explained the head of UNOCI.



The delegation then visited the Blood Transfusion Centre in Man which was rehabilitated and equipped by the World Health Organisation. "The rehabilitation of this centre has resolved our problems" said the departmental director of health, Dr Dagnogo Lévolotien. In 2013, the centre collected 8000 packs of blood samples. Dr Dagnogo said he hoped that from now on most of the blood collected can be treated in Man.



After the visit, the delegation held a working session with UNOCI and UN agencies personnel based in Man.



On Monday, 24 February, the mission is expected to visit Duékoué, Niambly and Bangolo.