Pilot deployment of the digital solution mHealth.ci in Côte d’Ivoire: Process, results and lessons learned

Abstract

Introduction: As part of the 2022–2025 National Strategic Plan for Community Health, Côte d’Ivoire has undertaken the digitalization of community health services. This article documents the pilot deployment process of the mHealth.ci digital solution, its results, and the lessons learned. Material et methods: A descriptive study of the implementation process was conducted from 2023 to 2025 in the Poro region. Data were drawn from institutional documentation, supervision missions, and platform usage reports. Results: Five districts were covered: Korhogo 1, Korhogo 2, Dikodougou, M’Bengué, and Sinématiali. A total of 344 community health workers (CHWs) were trained and equipped; 30,667 households were registered, along with 53,677 women of reproductive age and 20,458 children under five years monitored. Interoperability with DHIS2, cascade training, and multi-stakeholder governance were key success factors. Challenges included GSM network coverage, connectivity, supervision, and maintenance. Conclusion: The pilot phase demonstrates the technical and institutional feasibility of deploying mHealth.ci. The lessons learned will guide national scale-up and the sustainability of the digital health system.