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 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.
“Two words capture the spirit of this project: thank you, mothers and children.
Thank you first—because without Italy’s concrete and long-term support to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s health system, we would not be here today. Special thanks also go to the Ministry of Health for its constant commitment to the people of Abobo and for its trust in this partnership. Mothers and children are at the heart of this project. The high number of women and children we saw here reflects both the scale of the needs and the central role of Abobo Hospital in maternal and child health. Infrastructure matters, but so does training local health staff. In this regard, the partnership between CUAMM and the University of Padua is key. Together, we will continue to strengthen local capacities to ensure lasting, high-quality care for mothers and children.” said father Dante Carraro – CUAMM Director General.
“Maternal and child health is a top priority for the Ivorian government. National programs have been launched to expand quality care, including free targeted services and strong investments in training nurses, midwives, and doctors through institutional partnerships. Reducing maternal and child mortality is essential for Ivory Coast’s ambition to become a health hub in West Africa. This project fully supports that goal, and we are grateful for it. Training, in partnership with the University of Padua, is especially important: infrastructure matters, but well-trained health workers make the difference. We thank CUAMM, the University of Padua, and the Italian State for their commitment to mothers and children in Abobo.” affirmed Mr. Yeo Pena.
“The needs of the Abobo district were identified in 2024, and by the end of 2025 we are already working on the ground. This was made possible thanks to the strong commitment of a high-level Italian and Ivorian team. While challenges remain, particularly in space planning and facility organization, the progress achieved is very encouraging. In just a year and a half, we have reached a strong level of implementation.” concluded Roberta Ronzetti – Italian Vice-Ambassador to Ivory Coast.
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.
