Central African Republic

The country is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in Africa, due to internal instability caused by conflict between armed groups and external actors competing for control of the country’s vast natural resources.

Our priorities

Nutrition

Infectious diseases

Training in Africa

For mothers and children
Slide

The context

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02.
03.
Twice the size of Italy, the country has a population of 5.5 million people, only 400 kilometers of paved roads, and just four pediatricians nationwide. The maternal mortality rate (835 deaths per 100,000 live births) and the under-five mortality rate (100 deaths per 1,000 live births) are among the highest in the world. Poverty, limited access to essential health services, and widespread insecurity remain part of daily life for much of the population.
Slide

The context

01.
02.
03.
Twice the size of Italy, the country has a population of 5.5 million people, only 400 kilometers of paved roads, and just four pediatricians nationwide. The maternal mortality rate (835 deaths per 100,000 live births) and the under-five mortality rate (100 deaths per 1,000 live births) are among the highest in the world. Poverty, limited access to essential health services, and widespread insecurity remain part of daily life for much of the population.
Slide

The context

01.
02.
03.
Twice the size of Italy, the country has a population of 5.5 million people, only 400 kilometers of paved roads, and just four pediatricians nationwide. The maternal mortality rate (835 deaths per 100,000 live births) and the under-five mortality rate (100 deaths per 1,000 live births) are among the highest in the world. Poverty, limited access to essential health services, and widespread insecurity remain part of daily life for much of the population.

A recent but well-rooted commitment

We launched our intervention in the Central African Republic in 2018 when we first entrered Bangui Pediatric Hospital (CHUPB) called by the Bambino Gesù Hospital of Rome. At the CHUPB, we support local staff in managing the facility and deploy healthcare professionals. Over time, we expanded our activities to more remote areas, including Bocaranga and Bossangoa. In parallel, we provide support to 11 health centers across the country run by religious congregations. Finally, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, we are involved in operational research on the quality of neonatal care in 21 facilities across three regions of the country. 

The Pediatric Complex in Bangui

This is the largest and only pediatric hospital in the country. It has 257 beds and records over 11,000 admissions each year. We are present with specialist doctors and residents who support local staff in clinical care, hospital management, and operational costs, including the purchase of medicines and consumables, as well as incentives for local personnel.

 

In Bossangoa: bringing hope to life

This very poor area, far from the capital, is served by a hospital with 122 beds that provides care to 260,000 people, with around 1,200 deliveries and over 8,000 admissions per year. We focus on supporting maternity and neonatal services, thanks to the presence of an experienced surgeon and pediatrician. We have renovated the maternity ward and built a new training school for nurses and midwives from scratch. In November 2025, the first 30 students began their training.

In Bocaranga, at Koui Hospital

In this northern area of the country, we primarily work on the treatment and prevention of acute malnutrition, as well as basic healthcare services. We also implement public health and awareness-raising activities for a marginalized population facing severe hardship.

Across the territory

Between Ouango, Bangassou, Bocaranga, and Bossangoa, we are engaged in public health activities and support 63 health centers that provide basic services in the most remote areas.

Our impact in Central African Republic

40.445
Medical visits for children under five
13.681
Pediatric admissions
1.538
Assisted deliveries