The SAMU Major Burns Center, located at the Cocody University Hospital in Abidjan, inaugurated on Thursday, November 5, 2026, an extension of its pediatric ward, adding ten beds for children who are burn victims.
The investment of 50 million CFA francs increases the pediatric capacity from seven to 17 beds. The funding was raised by the Club of Muslim Businessmen of Côte d’Ivoire during its eighth charity dinner held on December 5, 2025.
The new building includes three areas comprising a large inpatient ward, intensive care facilities, and an isolation room designated for infected children, according to the head of the department, Dr. Kouamé Kouamé. This arrangement also separates young patients from adults.
The center receives approximately 1,500 burn patients per year, including nearly 600 children under the age of five, Dr. Kouamé stated during the launch of the project in March. Children account for about half of the patients, whereas the department previously had only seven pediatric beds out of a total of 24.
The director of SAMU, Dr. Évariste Kouakou Chatigré, stated during the inauguration that the expansion would strengthen the conditions for the care of children. He also praised the contribution of the donors and the medical staff.
The construction site began with the laying of the first stone on March 12, 2026. The project, completed in nearly four months, underwent a provisional acceptance in August before its inauguration in November.
