A major initiative is taking shape in Abidjan, involving us as partners alongside the University of Padua in the renovation and extension of the Abobo Hospital and in strengthening two affiliated health facilities: Abobo Avocatier and Abobo Baoulé.
In May, we launched this major initiative with an official ceremony held in Abidjan. Now, several months later, the commitment is becoming tangible. Construction is progressing at a rapid pace, even during the holiday season, in order to return to the population as soon as possible new, more functional spaces and new opportunities for care. This starts with expanding patient capacity, strengthening maternity and neonatology units, and introducing support services such as a blood bank and an oxygen center.
On Monday, December 22, we visited Abobo to see firsthand the progress of the construction site which involve the rehabilitation of existing spaces, the reorganization of services, and a major expansion of maternal and child health services. Specifically, the unit dedicated to gynecology-obstetrics and neonatology will cover 2,250 sqm, compared to the 770 sqm currently available; the number of gynecology-obstetrics inpatient beds will increase from 28 to 56, and the number of neonatology inpatient beds from 12 to 32.
The visit, conducted inside the large construction site, was attended by Dr. Roberta Ronzitti, Italian Vice-Ambassador to Ivory Coast; Alessandro Rabbiosi, Representative of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Abidjan (AICS); project partners from the University of Padua, represented by Professor Liviana Da Dalt; as well as representatives of Ivorian institutions, including Yeo Pena, Director of DIEMP (Direction Infrastructures Equipment Manutention et Patrimonie) and Representative of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Health; Dr. Kassi Georges, Regional Health Director of Abidjan 1; Dr. Kanga Charles, Director of the Abobo Est Health District; and representatives of the hospital itself: Dr. Nathalie Tan Fondio, Hospital Director, and Dr. Kouadio Kouadio Marcellin, Medical Director.
Abobo Est is a rapidly expanding urban area. As the vibrant heart of the autonomous district of Abidjan, this neighborhood is home to approximately 750,000 people. In Abobo Hospital alone, 8,000 births were recorded in 2024. This average is expected to rise, making the strengthening of services essential. Hence the decision to intervene by working alongside government health authorities through a key health initiative implemented under the Mattei Plan, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
