Supporting Women Receiving Hospital Care in Africa

September 2025

Spotlight

📅 Date: August 5, 2025

📍 Location: Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire

On August 5, 2025, the Kia Yusuf Foundation provided essential care kits to 200 women receiving treatment at the General Hospital of Grand-Bassam in southern Côte d’Ivoire.

Grand-Bassam is located approximately 25 miles east of Abidjan, the country’s economic capital, about one hour by road. The hospital serves a population of over 120,000 people across Grand-Bassam and surrounding communities including Bonoua, Moossou, Azuretti, and dozens of smaller inland villages. Many patients travel 12 to 30 miles to reach this regional hospital, often representing their only access to advanced medical care and supervised childbirth.

The distribution took place inside the hospital and focused on women who were already admitted and under medical supervision. Support was provided directly to patients in coordination with hospital staff.

Women received one of two types of care kits based on their medical circumstances. Those recovering from surgery or undergoing extended medical treatment received basic care kits. New mothers and women in the maternity ward received maternal care kits designed for postpartum recovery and newborn care.

Basic care kits contained:

Soap, shampoo, and body lotion
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sanitary pads
Towels and washcloths
Underwear
Canned foods including beans, fish, and vegetables

Maternal care kits contained:

Newborn diapers in multiple sizes
Baby wipes and baby soap
Receiving blankets
Baby lotion and diaper cream
Postpartum sanitary pads
Nursing pads
Basic infant clothing including onesies and sleepers

Basic care kits contained:

Soap, shampoo, and body lotion
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Sanitary pads
Towels and washcloths
Underwear
Canned foods including beans, fish, and vegetables

Maternal care kits contained:

Newborn diapers in multiple sizes
Baby wipes and baby soap
Receiving blankets
Baby lotion and diaper cream
Postpartum sanitary pads
Nursing pads
Basic infant clothing including onesies and sleepers

Aïssata K., a new mother who had been hospitalized for several days:

“I’ve been here in the hospital for days and I don’t have money to buy what I need. I can’t get to the market. This kit will help me get through while I’m recovering. It matters for me and my baby

I’ve been here in the hospital for days and I don’t have money to buy what I need. I can’t get to the market. This kit will help me get through while I’m recovering. It matters for me and my baby

- Aïssata K.

Postpartum Patient