We are Map: Dr. Julien Ake and Cote d’Ivoire

Editor’s Note: This is the first part of a multiple part series entitled “We are MAP.” At MAP International, we believe that every donor, volunteer, and staff member plays a crucial role in ”bringing health and hope to a hurting world.” We are all MAP. In this series, you will be introduced to some key staff members who play a fundamental role in serving the poor. This post highlights Dr. Julien Ake and MAP Cote d’Ivoire.

The MAP International Cote d’Ivoire office was officially established in June 1999. The first programs addressed Guinea worm disease, Buruli ulcer, and HIV/AIDS prevention and control in addition to MAP’s traditional expertise in the distribution of essential medicines.  The MAP International office in Cote d’Ivoire has a diplomatic status that gives some privileges like tax exemption on the importation of medicines and partnership with the government of Cote d’Ivoire.  In addition to running Cote d’Ivoire programs, the MAP Cote d’Ivoire office has taken responsibility for MAP International’s expansion in the West African region.  The MAP Ghana office was established in 2008, and presently, in 2011, the MAP Liberia office is well underway.

MAP Cote d’Ivoire focuses on six different programs. The first program fights against HIV/AIDS through a unique prevention and control strategy. MAP International works closely with Assemblies of God churches in Cote d’Ivoire to strengthen their organizational capacities to address the needs of those suffering from HIV/AIDS and other challenges.

Since 2004, MAP’s Buruli Ulcer program has worked in 8 endemic districts to train and equip health professional and community volunteers in early detection and appropriate treatment of Buruli Ulcer.  MAP provides medicines to these eight districts, and has built and equipped two specialized health facilities that provide long-term care and healing. About 2.3 million people benefit from this program. MAP’s mother and child survival program provides more comprehensive care for pregnant mothers and their children. By supporting hospitals to give proper care and encouraging mothers to utilize these services, the maternal and infant mortality rate in Cote d’Ivoire will be reduced over time. This program has been so successful that women have begun to travel long distances just to receive MAP’s quality care. MAP’s first Total Health Village program has been operational in the Sokrogbo community since 2008. More information of THV’s can be found here.

MAP Cote d’Ivoire’s two most impressive programs are the De-worming program and the Water and Sanitation/Guinea worm eradication program. 5 million children were treated for de-worming in 2010 bringing national attention to the program. Also, The efforts of MAP International, in partnership with the Carter Center and the National Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP), have nearly achieved complete eradication of Guinea Worm from the country.  Since 2006, no case has been reported. We expect to receive an official eradication certificate from the WHO later this year.

The MAP Cote d’Ivoire office is led by a Country Director, Dr. Julien Ake, who is also acting as the West African region representative.

 He is assisted by a staff of 34 persons spread in 4 departments: Programs, Finance, Admin and HR, and External Relations and Resource mobilization. Here is a short interview to introduce you to the man behind the mission, Dr. Ake.

How long have you worked at MAP?

My first contact with MAP International was as a participant in a training session organized by MAP International West Africa on community development. Following that, I applied for the position of Program Director, and I was recruited at MAP International after a very long process.

Why work at MAP?

I decided to work at MAP because, I was impacted by MAP International’s vision of community health development and I thought that I could bring a lot to my country by implementing this vision. I also wanted to experience new challenges.

Favorite story involving MAP?

The concept of Total Health Village development is my favorite. We did very well by stopping the transmission of Guinea worm in Cote d’Ivoire, but the president of MAP International, myself and other Rotarian friends were questioning our tactics. What would be the result of our effort if the persons we saved from catching Guinea worm died from Malaria or others disease threatening them in their area? Our thoughts and answer to this question led to the creation of the “THV” initiative.

What do you think makes MAP different from other non-profits? 

Total health is defined as capacities of individuasl, families and communities to build condition that promotes their holistic well being.

MAP International makes that happen for project beneficiaries but also for country offices.   

Best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the satisfaction to truly respond to the needs of people who benefit from the actions of MAP’s programs and also to discover other parts of the globe to learn from  people from different cultures.

In your area of expertise, what is the one issue that the public should be aware of?

Preventing diseases is better than curing them.

One thing that everyone should know about you? 

Creating conditions and giving opportunities to people to fully express their God given talents can allow them to be their best.

Any parting wisdom?

One’s well-being starts with one’s own will and own action.  

We are very proud of Dr. Ake and the entire country staff in Cote d’Ivoire. They have truly brought hope to Cote d’Ivoire. We are excited to see what God has planned for MAP International in Cote d’Ivoire.