Espérance's Hope

Ivorian association against hydrocephalus and spina bifida

We run surgery and awareness campaigns for children with hydrocephalus, and we support their families.

A word from the President

Portrait of the President, seated at a desk in front of a computer

Dear visitors, partners and friends of Espérance's Hope,

It is with immense joy and deep gratitude that I welcome you to the official website of Espérance's Hope, the association fighting hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

The association is now 12 years old… How far we have come. For 12 years we have been trying, all together and as best we can, to keep it alive.

Creating this platform marks a new step in our commitment to give a voice, hope and a future to the children and families affected by these congenital malformations, which are still too little known. Our mission is clear: to raise awareness, accompany and support — medically, socially and psychologically — while advocating for better care and real inclusion of those affected.

Through this site, we want to share our work in the field, our humanitarian projects, our awareness campaigns and the stories of courage that inspire our daily fight. We believe that every life deserves to be lived fully, with dignity and love.

I warmly thank all our members, volunteers, partners and donors for their constant trust and commitment. Together, we make hope grow.

The road is still long, but I know I can count on each of you. We will get there: we will push back spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

My encouragement to all.

Welcome to our community of love, solidarity and light.

Espérance ALIA BROALET
President of the Espérance's Hope association

Understanding hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which fluid builds up inside the brain. The pressure rises and can cause a child's head to grow abnormally, vomiting, deep tiredness and delays in development.

With proper care it can be treated, most often with a small operation that drains the extra fluid. But across Africa, many families cannot get a diagnosis or treatment in time.

The earlier a child is treated, the better the chances of growing up healthy.

Our mission

Our aim: that no child goes without care for lack of information or means.

Raise awareness
Inform families and communities so they can recognise the signs of the disease and challenge false beliefs.
Improve access to care
Help children get diagnosed and operated on in suitable health facilities.
Support families
Stand by parents before, during and after treatment, so that no one is left alone.

Testimonials

A collection of testimonies from parents living with children affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, made in association with the Ivorian Society of Neurosurgery. The video is in French.

Our work

A few recent events organised by the association with its partners.

March 2020
Donation to the “Grain de soleil” school
Inclusive school in Bécédi (Sikensi department): educational kits, food and essential supplies.
October 2022
Awareness campaign in Bonoua
Don Orione centre, for World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day: conferences, free consultations and surgery for children aged 0 to 5, with the Ivorian Society of Neurosurgery.
24 and 25 October 2023
World Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Day
Mère-Enfant Hospital, Bingerville: surgery, conferences, activities and awareness-raising.
17 to 21 February 2025
2^nd Moscati surgery campaign
Moscati Hospital, Yamoussoukro (Côte d'Ivoire), with the Porteo Foundation: spina bifida repair and shunt operations (VPS).