The Country
Togo is a small West African nation with remarkable geographical diversity. Its territory, though small, extends from the sandy coast of the Gulf of Guinea to the hills and savannahs of the interior. This variety of landscapes has helped shape the country’s culture and economy.
As of 2023, Togo’s population was approximately 9,304,337. Population growth is significant, with a population growth rate of 2.5%. The population distribution is predominantly rural, with 60% of the population living in rural areas. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 62 years for men and 66 years for women.
From a socioeconomic point of view, Togo is a developing country. The Togolese economy is mainly based on agriculture, fishing and trade. Despite the progress made in recent years, the country still faces significant challenges such as social inequalities, poverty and dependence on climatic conditions in agriculture.
Politically, Togo has had a history of instability. In recent years, the country has experienced a period of relative calm, but political challenges remain numerous, including the fight against corruption and the promotion of sustainable development.
The health situation also presents significant challenges, with infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and tuberculosis, especially in rural areas. Access to basic health services is limited, with a lack of qualified medical personnel and adequate infrastructure. Infant and maternal mortality are still high, due to complications during childbirth, malnutrition and preventable diseases.
In 2022, the neonatal mortality rate in Togo was approximately 23 deaths per 1,000 live births. This data highlights the urgent need to improve neonatal care in the country, where access to quality health services is limited and resources are scarce. The Chiesi Foundation, through the NEST project (Neonatal Essential Survival Technology), is working to address these challenges and improve neonatal survival in Togo.
(Source: data.who.int)
Togo in numbers
Togo in numbers
Our intervention
Since 2018, the Chiesi Foundation has activated a collaboration with the Hopital d’Enfants Yendube in Dapaong, a town in the north of the country.
The hospital provides pediatric and emergency services and welcomes children from 0 to 10 years old. The structure has a significant impact in the fight against pediatric diseases throughout the Savannah Region, also thanks to important prevention and training activities in the surrounding villages.
In 2017, the hospital completed the construction of the new neonatology unit and requested support from the Foundation to start the activities of the new department and train the staff dedicated to neonatal care, including the promotion of the practice of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and the opening of a unit dedicated to the active participation of mothers in child care.
In 2019, the Chiesi Foundation laid the foundations for a solid collaboration with the Hopital d’Enfants Yendube, organizing crucial training sessions for local health personnel. The aim was to strengthen skills in neonatal care, with a focus on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).
The COVID-19 pandemic, while presenting significant challenges, has not interrupted this commitment. On the contrary, the Foundation has been able to adapt its activities, investing in the creation of a multimedia room for distance learning. This strategic choice has made it possible to guarantee the continuity of training activities, even in a context of restrictions and logistical difficulties.
In 2023, thanks to the support of the Chiesi Foundation, the Hospital made further progress, strengthening the neonatal unit and the KMC room. The purchase of new equipment and the hiring of dedicated staff have significantly improved the quality of care offered to newborns.
The distance learning program started in the second semester of 2023: healthcare workers from the Neonatology Department and the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit were trained by Dr. Lucia Tubaldi on the causes of prematurity and its consequences, newborn classification based on weight, and family-centered care (zero separation between mother and newborn).
Our intervention
Since 2018, the Chiesi Foundation has activated a collaboration with the Hopital d’Enfants Yendube in Dapaong, a town in the north of the country.
The hospital provides pediatric and emergency services and welcomes children from 0 to 10 years old. The structure has a significant impact in the fight against pediatric diseases throughout the Savannah Region, also thanks to important prevention and training activities in the surrounding villages.
In 2017, the hospital completed the construction of the new neonatology unit and requested support from the Foundation to start the activities of the new department and train the staff dedicated to neonatal care, including the promotion of the practice of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and the opening of a unit dedicated to the active participation of mothers in child care.
In 2019, the Chiesi Foundation laid the foundations for a solid collaboration with the Hopital d’Enfants Yendube, organizing crucial training sessions for local health personnel. The aim was to strengthen skills in neonatal care, with a focus on Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).
The COVID-19 pandemic, while presenting significant challenges, has not interrupted this commitment. On the contrary, the Foundation has been able to adapt its activities, investing in the creation of a multimedia room for distance learning. This strategic choice has made it possible to guarantee the continuity of training activities, even in a context of restrictions and logistical difficulties.
In 2023, thanks to the support of the Chiesi Foundation, the Hospital made further progress, strengthening the neonatal unit and the KMC room. The purchase of new equipment and the hiring of dedicated staff have significantly improved the quality of care offered to newborns.
The distance learning program started in the second semester of 2023: healthcare workers from the Neonatology Department and the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit were trained by Dr. Lucia Tubaldi on the causes of prematurity and its consequences, newborn classification based on weight, and family-centered care (zero separation between mother and newborn).
Our main activities in Togo
Preparation and organization of the new neonatology department.
Updating and reorganization of assistance protocols and setting up of monitoring and data collection tools in the department.
Training for local health personnel.
