Construction of a maternity

The project aimed to undertake the necessary construction works needed to finalise the maternity building begun by EFFATA, in Odoguié, Cote d’Ivoire. The maternity hospital was to be built to reduce the incidence of infant mortality and to improve maternal health before, during and after birth, of the women in the Odoguié village and from the five neighbouring villages. The project included the construction of a home for the midwife.

The maternity hospital, together with the midwife’s home, was inaugurated in February 2012 in the presence of the administrative, health and religious authorities. The political crisis in 2010/2011 delayed completion of the project, initially planned for 2011. Since completion, 198 births, 993 pre-natal and 70 post-natal consultations took place, in the presence of the midwife, certified and paid by the state. The midwife introduced a number of innovations, including paediatric consultations focused on child vaccination and family planning consultations. No deaths were recorded from its opening. The project was extended and followed until the installation of the water supply was confirmed.

Founded in 2007, the Swiss association EFFATA “Ouvre toi!” works to improve the living conditions of children, families and local communities in developing countries, by providing them with health care, access to water, education and training.