HOSPITAL
A HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN CONSTANT EVOLUTION
The Ayamé General Hospital (HGA) is located in the southeast of Côte d’Ivoire, nestled in the tropical forest, near the border with Ghana. Originally, it was only an emergency dispensary for the distribution of medicines in a densely populated region that lacked any healthcare center. In 1985, on the initiative of Sister Alba Cano and thanks to the dedication of many volunteers and benefactors, including the physician from Pavia Emilio Bertotti, the PMI (Maternity and Childhood Departments) was built.
With this first project, the development of HGA began, progressively growing after its “adoption” in 1991 by the Agency, which played a decisive role in the design and construction of other important departments and services, also thanks to substantial contributions from entities such as UBI BANCA (2014–2016) and the Trust established by Livio Garzanti, “Societas societatum” (2019–2021).
In 1991, the hospital was classified as “general” and became part of the national healthcare system. It was entrusted in concession to the Diocese of Grand Bassam until 2018, when its management was directly assumed by the Ivorian state.
The Agency cooperates in the development of HGA through specific Conventions that clarify its role and define commitments aimed at improving the healthcare situation of the local population. In this perspective, institutions from Pavia, such as the IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and the University of Pavia, also sign agreements with HGA to support specialized medical missions and exchanges of technical personnel for training and technological support.
With the “Convention Cadre de Collaboration” between the Ministry of Health of Côte d’Ivoire (MSHP) and the Agency, signed in 2020, the organization of HGA was defined, open to the participation of the Ayamé community.
The Agency has progressively contributed to the architectural and technological development of the hospital through significant achievements.
Since its establishment in 1991, the Agency has contributed year by year to the development of the Ayamé Hospital with important works and structural interventions. Notable examples include:
- The construction, outfitting, and periodic enhancement of the Analysis Laboratory.
- The renovation of the obstetrics, pediatrics, and neonatology departments.
- The outfitting and enhancement of radiology and ultrasound services.
- The construction and outfitting of the ophthalmology laboratory.
- The Center for Malnourished Children and for Mothers’ Nutritional Education, teaching them the proper use of local agricultural resources.
- The construction and outfitting of two operating rooms.
- The construction of a pavilion for maintenance services.
- The triage for the initial care of patients and their allocation to the various departments.
- The renovation and outfitting of the dental laboratory.
In May 2026, the first “Open Day” event—organized by the hospital administration to raise community awareness and showcase the services offered—took place under the patronage of the Ivorian Minister of Health and in the presence of local dignitaries. Affi Allou, local coordinator of the *Prima i minori* (“Children First”) project, represented our association and was given a dedicated space to present the initiative.
During the event, the Mayor of Ayamé unveiled a plaque dedicated to Emilia Massignan—a long-standing volunteer with the Agency and the longtime head of the *Pouponnière* (infant care unit)—after whom the hospital’s neonatal unit has been named. This serves as a significant tribute to Emy and, by extension, to the Agency’s decades-long commitment to the hospital and the entire Ayamé community.
