The Country
Benin, a West African nation, is characterized by rich cultural diversity and a complex history. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, its territory features a variety of landscapes, from sandy coastlines to inland savannahs. Benin’s economy is based primarily on agriculture, although it is trying to diversify its productive sectors. Despite progress made in recent years, inequalities and challenges in economic development persist.
In 2022, Benin’s population was approximately 13,352,866, with a population growth rate of 2.7%. The population distribution is predominantly rural, with 50.47% of the population living in rural areas. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 62 years for men and 66 years for women.
Politically, Benin has gone through several historical phases, from monarchical regimes to French colonization, to the current multi-party system. The country is considered one of the most stable in the region, but corruption and challenges to democracy remain. Benin’s history has left a significant mark on its society, characterized by a plurality of ethnicities and cultures.
Access to basic health services remains limited, especially in rural and remote areas, where infrastructure is poor and medical personnel are scarce. Infectious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and tuberculosis are endemic, and child malnutrition is a widespread problem. Maternal and child mortality remains high, due to complications during childbirth and poor antenatal and postnatal care.
In 2022, the neonatal mortality rate in Benin was approximately 28.6 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 (N eonatal Essential Survival Technology), is working to address these challenges and improve neonatal survival in Benin.
(Source: data.who.int)
Benin in numbers
Benin in numbers
Our intervention
Chiesi Foundation has demonstrated a constant commitment to improving the health conditions of newborns in Benin, through various partnerships with local hospitals.
Initially focused on the Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta, the Foundation supported the construction of a new neonatology department and promoted the training of healthcare personnel. However, due to the COVID-19 emergency and other operational challenges, it had to temporarily suspend its intervention.
In the meantime, Chiesi Foundation has started a new collaboration with the Abbraccio Hospital in Sokpontà, focusing on the reorganization of neonatology and the training of nursing staff specialized in Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). This approach, which provides prolonged contact between mother and newborn, is essential for the health and survival of premature or low birth weight newborns.
Subsequently, the collaboration with the Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta was reactivated, with the specific objective of reducing infant mortality in the region. Chiesi Foundation supported the implementation of a nosocomial infection prevention and control program, providing training to staff, purchasing equipment and developing specific protocols.
In addition, the Foundation continued to support the neonatology department by providing essential medical equipment, such as phototherapy and multi-parameter monitors, and ensuring the functioning of the KMC Unit.
To improve long-term monitoring of discharged newborns, Chiesi Foundation has funded the launch of a home visit program, allowing to follow the evolution of children and to raise awareness among parents on the importance of regular pediatric check-ups.
Visits are carried out by the hospital’s social services staff who report to the healthcare staff in the neonatology department.
Our intervention
Chiesi Foundation has demonstrated a constant commitment to improving the health conditions of newborns in Benin, through various partnerships with local hospitals.
Initially focused on the Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta, the Foundation supported the construction of a new neonatology department and promoted the training of healthcare personnel. However, due to the COVID-19 emergency and other operational challenges, it had to temporarily suspend its intervention.
In the meantime, Chiesi Foundation has started a new collaboration with the Abbraccio Hospital in Sokpontà, focusing on the reorganization of neonatology and the training of nursing staff specialized in Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). This approach, which provides prolonged contact between mother and newborn, is essential for the health and survival of premature or low birth weight newborns.
Subsequently, the collaboration with the Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital in Tanguiéta was reactivated, with the specific objective of reducing infant mortality in the region. Chiesi Foundation supported the implementation of a nosocomial infection prevention and control program, providing training to staff, purchasing equipment and developing specific protocols.
In addition, the Foundation continued to support the neonatology department by providing essential medical equipment, such as phototherapy and multi-parameter monitors, and ensuring the functioning of the KMC Unit.
To improve long-term monitoring of discharged newborns, Chiesi Foundation has funded the launch of a home visit program, allowing to follow the evolution of children and to raise awareness among parents on the importance of regular pediatric check-ups.
Visits are carried out by the hospital’s social services staff who report to the healthcare staff in the neonatology department.
Our main activities in Benin
Expansion of the new neonatology department and the purchase of specific equipment and materials for newborn care.
Construction of a surgical room for urgent caesareans.
Financing of scholarships for young medical staff.
Launching a home visiting program to monitor the health status of newborns.
