The First Lady of Côte d'Ivoire officially inaugurated the European Cancer Institute (IEC) in Bingerville on Thursday, June 25, 2026. This new, state-of-the-art medical center is set to transform cancer care in Côte d'Ivoire and throughout the West African sub-region.

A major step forward for public health

Presiding over the ceremony, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara welcomed the advent of this infrastructure, seeing it as a crucial glimmer of hope for patients and their families.

"This institute was built to offer patients better chances of remission and to allow them access to quality care," she stated.

Faced with the ongoing challenge of cancer, the First Lady advocated for a collective effort focused on prevention and early detection. She also reiterated the Ivorian government's continued commitment, exemplified by:

1. The opening of the CNRAO (National Centre for Radiotherapy and Oncology) in 2018.
2. The future project for a National Medical Oncology Center in Grand-Bassam.

The IEC thus strengthens the public-private network through highly technical care, carefully considered tariffs and aid programs for the most disadvantaged.

A strong partnership for children

Good news for pediatric oncology: a partnership agreement has been signed between the Institute of Cancer Research (IEC) and the Dominique Ouattara Mother and Child Hospital in Bingerville . This alliance will expand free radiotherapy services for children with cancer. As a reminder, the Children of Africa Foundation already provides free treatment for nearly 90% of pediatric cancers at the Mother and Child Hospital.

A local alternative to medical evacuations

The project, initiated in 2019 by Jocelyn Akélé (chairman of the board of directors of the IEC), was born from an observation: the limited access to modern therapies in Africa and the prohibitive cost of evacuations abroad.

1. 2024: Initial opening with a state-of-the-art radiotherapy technical platform.
2. 2026: Integration of chemotherapy services for comprehensive care.
3. Capacity: The institute aims to treat 1,800 patients per year , from prevention to post-treatment follow-up, while training future Ivorian oncologists.

The human being at the heart of the care protocol

The ceremony was marked by the moving testimony of Sery Pka, a former patient and spokesperson for the institute's care ambassadors.

“Today, having completed my treatment protocol, I can testify that we feel well. We are cured. Here, we are not simply medical records. We are people supported with respect, dignity and humanism,” he shared.

He concluded with a crucial message, reminding everyone that cancer is no longer inevitable if screening is done in time.

In summary

With this inauguration, Côte d'Ivoire has reached a decisive milestone. The European Cancer Institute in Bingerville firmly positions the country as the future center of excellence in oncology for all of West and Central Africa.