Nestled on the coast of West Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, boasts a rich cultural heritage, but the country faces significant challenges in ensuring the health and well-being of its youngest citizens. Child health in Côte d’Ivoire is hindered by factors such as limited access to healthcare services, inadequate nutrition, and prevalent infectious diseases. 

Among the many challenges facing infants in Côte d’Ivoire, hydrocephalus emerges as a particularly devastating condition, and access to specialized medical care is often limited. Addressing the impact of hydrocephalus in Côte d’Ivoire requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing improved healthcare infrastructure, increased access to specialized medical resources, and enhanced community support networks. 

In 2023, NeuroKids partnered with the Chu de Bouaké Hospital in Côte d’Ivoire’s third-largest city, Bouake, to help build its capacity to treat children affected by hydrocephalus and spina bifida. We were introduced to Dr. Landry Teti through Dr. Oumar Diallo, who had trained under Dr. John Mugamba in Uganda in 2012. Since then, Dr. Diallo has traveled extensively throughout western and south-central Africa, introducing other neurosurgeons to ETV/CPC. 

By raising awareness, advocating for resources, and empowering healthcare providers, there is hope for better outcomes for children affected by hydrocephalus in Côte d’Ivoire. 

Number of children who have received hydrocephalus surgeries since NeuroKids intervention