The 2024 NEST Partners Meeting, organized by the Chiesi Foundation, took place from October 7th to October 11th in Cotonou, Benin. This significant event gathered various stakeholders in the neonatal health sector, aiming to enhance collaboration and expand the impact of the Neonatal Essential Survival Technology (NEST) model across sub-Saharan Africa. 

The NEST Model: Advancing Neonatal Care 

The NEST model has been a cornerstone of the Chiesi Foundation’s efforts to reduce neonatal mortality rates by improving the quality of care in regions where access to essential healthcare remains challenging, as established by SDG 3.2 of the UN’s 2030 Agenda. This year, the event witnessed the participation of hospital directors, healthcare professionals, and key representatives from the neonatal departments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo, all coming together with a common goal. 

Institutional Day: Fostering Dialogue and Collaboration 

One of the highlights of the meeting was the institutional day, held on Wednesday, October 9th, which brought together various stakeholders from local hospitals and government institutions, including representatives from the Ministry of Health of Benin, the World Health Organization, the African Natal Association, and the SoBePed – Société Béninoise de Pédiatrie. The sessions provided a platform for dialogue on the pressing issues surrounding neonatal healthcare and the collaborative efforts required to address them. 

Daily Highlights: A Week of Learning and Exchange 

The week kicked off with an introduction and presentation of the Chiesi Foundation, alongside briefings from partner organizations involved in neonatal care initiatives. Tuesday featured an engaging workshop focused on the Logical Framework, followed by a visit to the Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune de Cotonou (CHU-MEL), where participants had the chance to exchange and share information with the technical team of Benin biggest Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

On the institutional day, attendees engaged in fruitful exchanges on the pressing challenges and opportunities within the neonatal health landscape in Benin and the broader Francophone West African region. Notable figures, including Dr Aitchéhou Romuald Bothon, Chef de Service Santé Maternelle et Infantile of Benin Ministry of Health, and various national and international stakeholders, advocated for improved neonatal care. 

Thursday’s agenda included a workshop held by Dr Ousman Mouhamadou, Study Coordinator of the IMPULSE project (Improving Quality and Use of Newborn Indicators), focused on the importance of data in driving quality improvements in neonatal care. This was complemented by a training session on the audit of neonatal deaths, ensuring that local health professionals are better equipped to analyze and improve the factors contributing to mortality rates. 

Closing Reflections and Future Directions 

The meeting culminated on Friday with presentations by Dr Rebecca N’Guessan Kouamé, representative of the Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Health, and Dr Betti N’Gom, pediatrician of the Centre Hospitalier Régional d’Abobo, that shared insights and experiences related to neonatal health initiatives in the region. The closing session provided an opportunity for reflection on the progress made during the week and set the stage for future actions and initiatives. 

Outside of the structured program, participants engaged in team-building activities designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance collaborative efforts moving forward. The overall sentiment from the event was one of optimism, commitment, and a reinforced belief in the power of partnerships to effect real change in neonatal health outcomes. 

A Step Towards Better Neonatal Care 

As we look back on the 2024 NEST Partners Meeting, it’s clear that the discussions and initiatives launched during this gathering are set to further the Chiesi Foundation’s mission of saving newborn lives and ensuring quality care across the region. The insights gained and connections made will undoubtedly pave the way for more impactful collaboration in the future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partners, and stakeholders for making this event a great success.