About us
We exist so that no woman loses her life trying to give life.
Our vision
To eradicate maternal and infant mortality in rural Côte d’Ivoire.
A country where every child born is welcomed into an infection-free environment.
A place where no woman should lose her life trying to give life.
Our values
Empowerment
Through our actions we want to enable hospitals to have access to leading technologies, which will allow them to recognize and act promptly on the signs of a complicated pregnancy or delivery.
Grateful
We would not exist without our generous donors. Thank you for your continued, faithful support of our hospitals.
Integrity
We aspire to the highest level of integrity. Our reputation is our essence, and we will always act in the best interest of patients in Côte d’Ivoire.
Why this works
Infection prevention saves lives and resources
Unanticipated infections develop during the course of health care treatment and result in significant patient illness and death, prolong the duration of hospital stays, and necessitate additional diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. A study by the Institute of Medicine reported that adverse events affect approximately 2 million patients each year in the United States, resulting in 90,000 deaths and an estimated $4.5–5.7 billion per year in additional costs. Prevention efforts reduced ICU costs by $174,713 per patient for each central line-associated bloodstream infection, and by $163,090 for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Disease prevention costs less than treatment
One pressure steam autoclave or table-top sterilizing machine costs around $1,000–$4,000, and can save up to 20,000 people from HIV infection over a ten-year span — roughly $0.05–$0.20 per person per year. By contrast, a study in Côte d’Ivoire found dual therapy at around CFAF 100,000 per month, or $2,700–$3,000 per person per year, and triple therapy at about CFAF 280,000 per month, or $7,200–$8,400 per person per year.
Reports on African hospitals and mortality
According to recent estimates, each year more than 500,000 women between the ages of 15 and 49 die of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth — a leading cause of death among women in that age group. Almost all maternal deaths (99 percent) occur in the developing world, and more than half occur in Africa.
The four delays
In developing countries, women with complicated labours face many barriers to receiving timely and appropriate medical care. These obstacles can be summarized as four delays.
- 1Delay in recognizing complications
- 2Delay in deciding to seek care
- 3Delay in reaching a health facility because of a lack of transportation or resources
- 4Delay in receiving appropriate care at the facility
Significant reductions in maternal as well as neonatal and fetal mortality can be achieved if complications are anticipated and addressed promptly.
Côte d’Ivoire ranks 21st in the world for infant mortality
Compared with 223 countries worldwide, Côte d’Ivoire ranks 21st highest in infant mortality (UNICEF) and 27th in maternal mortality.
More info →Infant mortality is 108 per 1,000 births
Despite the important efforts made by the Ivorian government and its partners, the infant mortality rate in Côte d’Ivoire is 108 deaths per 1,000 births, or 12 deaths every hour.
More info →Sepsis is the second leading cause of maternal mortality
It is estimated to cause 15 percent of all maternal deaths worldwide. Puerperal infections are caused by transfer of an infectious agent from the cervix or vagina to the uterus during labour or pelvic examination, or by transfer of bacteria from skin, nostrils and perineum by contaminated fingers or instruments.
More info →Help us give Côte d’Ivoire safe and infection-free hospitals
They too deserve a healthy life.