Hands for life: Neonatology for newborns in Benin

Benin is facing the heavy consequences of this pandemic, as most of African countries. Up to now, according to World Health Organization, the total number of confirmed cases is about 7.900, with 101 deaths. However, it is really difficult to have precise data on the situation in more isolated villages, in which unfortunately Covid-19 has added to other diseases (like leprosy, Ebola, fulminating pneumonia) and mortality by childbirth still reaches unacceptable levels of over 6%.

After some closures, schools and kindergartens have been reopened and this is really important because for many children it means receiving the only safe meal a day provided by the school canteen. However, this prolonged closure has certainly affected the share of early school leavers, already high also before this Covid-19 pandemic – in particular in rural areas where we operate. No help will come from the central government and all is left to the actions undertaken by few local associations and international organizations.

During the past few months, we kept buying equipment and consumables (soap, sanitizing, masks…) in order to limit the spread of cases. We keep on working to ensure a healthy growth for all the children helped by the project and their families.

“L’Abbraccio” Hospital, which welcomes our project, has contributed to the organization of birth preparation courses in the gynecology/obstetrics clinic in the dispensary of Kpossegan.

We hope that all the future mothers will be able to give birth in a safe place, reducing the risk of mortality of the mother herself and of her child. We are grateful for all your support to the project and we will continue to embrace all the children in Sokponta!