It began with...

A shocking discovery…

A family death took ICAN founder, Dr. Hugues Fidele Batsielilit, to Libreville, the capital of Gabon, Africa. While visiting one of the major hospitals in the area, he was shocked by the physical condition of and lack of sanitation at the facility, the lack of space, and the absence of most basic equipment. He witnessed women giving birth on the floor due to lack of beds as well as lack of bassinettes for newborns and incubators for sick infants.

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Followed by research…

Disturbed by the state of the hospital, Dr. Batsielilit initiated a study to investigate medical care and treatment of pregnant mothers, newborns, and infants in other hospitals and clinics, and discovered that these conditions were a common problem in the entire region. He found an absence of basic equipment such as beds, bed linens, towels, infant warmers, ultrasound, and other necessary diagnostic equipment.

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Inspired ICAN…

His observations inspired him to dedicate his resources to assisting African mothers and their children to access safe, updated, and affordable health care. In response, he established an international non-profit, non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to providing the medical community with the training, technical assistance, and resources needed to improve the care and treatment of African women, their newborns, and young children.