Côte d'Ivoire: 909 children operated on for hydrocephalus or spina bifida in 2026

In Côte d'Ivoire, a total of 909 children underwent surgical interventions for hydrocephalus or spina bifida in 2026, marking an increase from 876 in 2025. These statistics were presented by neurosurgeon Dr. Williams Bamba during the launch of World Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Day in Agboville on November 7, 2026. The procedures were performed on 613 children suffering from hydrocephalus and 296 with spina bifida.

Hydrocephalus and spina bifida are congenital malformations affecting the nervous system and pose significant public health challenges. According to Dr. Bamba, these malformations account for 20.71% of pediatric neurosurgery consultations, with 48% of cases being hydrocephalus. He noted that these conditions typically occur between the first and fourth week of intrauterine life, often before the mother realizes she is pregnant.

The financial burden of treating these conditions is substantial, with an estimated cost of 800,000 FCFA per child. Dr. Bamba cited this as a major difficulty for many families. He emphasized the importance of prevention, particularly through the intake of folic acid before and at the beginning of pregnancy. This recommendation was also supported by Professor You Espérance Brouillet, a neurosurgery professor at Alassane Ouattara University in Bouaké.

Professor Brouillet, president of the Espérance's Hope association, encouraged women to consult health services from the project stage of pregnancy and regularly attend prenatal consultations. Her association organized a seven-day health caravan in several localities, providing approximately 500 medical consultations, sensitizing 600 people, and training nearly 200 health agents.

The health caravan, which took place in Dabou, Taabo, Tiassalé, Sikensi, and Agboville, also offered free scanner exams to patients, courtesy of the event's sponsor. This diagnostic exam typically costs at least 60,000 FCFA in Abidjan. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and improve access to healthcare for those affected by hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

At the official launch of World Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Day, Health Minister Pierre N'Gou Dimba urged pregnant women to visit health facilities for proper medical follow-up. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for all populations, regardless of their place of residence. The ceremony was attended by regional and local authorities.

The event highlighted the need for early detection and treatment of hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Key points emphasized included the importance of folic acid intake, regular prenatal consultations, and access to healthcare services.

Key points

• 909 children underwent surgical interventions for hydrocephalus or spina bifida in Côte d'Ivoire in 2026.
• The cost of treating these conditions is estimated at 800,000 FCFA per child.
• Prevention through folic acid intake and regular prenatal consultations was emphasized.