Health Centres

Health Centre in Kassouala

The Project

The Foundation is delighted to reopen the health centre in Kassouala, a village on the Nigerian border in Tchaourou. With support from the Province of West Flanders, the Foundation, in collaboration with the Saint-Martin Hospital in Papané, fully renovated the centre.

Before the reopening, Kassouala residents and their Nigerian neighbours had to travel – often by motorcycle – more than 25 kilometres on deplorable, unpaved roads to reach the hospital in Papané. A closer medical centre was, therefore, essential.

Objectives

With this centre, we aim to provide the residents of Kassouala and surrounding areas with quality basic healthcare. Pregnant women can now receive prenatal care and no longer need to travel long distances to give birth safely.

Project Description

The old health centre in Kassouala had fallen into disrepair and was forced to cease its activities. Today, it has been fully renovated, refurnished, and equipped. An outdoor covered area was also built for educational sessions and vaccinations. Additionally, a well with a solar-powered pump was installed to provide the health centre with drinking water. Finally, a studio was constructed for the on-site staff.

Results and Evolution

In November 2023, the centre received the necessary permits from the Ministry of Health. Since early 2024, the centre has been operational, thanks to subsidies from the Province of West Flanders for infrastructure work. The Benin government subsidizes the centre’s operations and funds the staff, including a full-time midwife, as well as medication and supplies. Today, it is certified as a dispensary and maternity centre. Pregnant women can give birth there safely and with medical supervision. Postnatal care is also available at the centre.

The local population is very grateful for the centre; however, safety and building protection remain challenges. In the short term, we aim to fence the centre to keep out stray animals and unwanted visitors. We also plan to install solar panels on the building to ensure continuous operation, as power outages are frequent and disruptive. Additional examination tables and other medical equipment are also welcome.

Our Partner

Province of West Flanders