Drogba to launch $4 m hospital project in Abidjan



Ivorian-born Chelsea’s talismans Didier Drogba will kick-start his charity hospital project next week in Abidjan, more than a year after he announced the good tidings.

The $4 million (R 30 million) public healthcare facility will have its foundation stone laid in few days, according to the player’s manager Thierno Seydi, who is on a visit to the Ivorian commercial capital preparing for the grand ceremony.

The hospital will be built in Attécoubé, one of the poorest districts of Abidjan - home to more than four million people, who currently struggle with aging public health infrastructure aggravated by looting and pillage from this year’s post-election conflicts.

“It’s a project so dear to Drogba’s heart. He feels it is the best manner of giving to the less privileged. He’s very impatient to see the realisation of this health centre,” the Senegalese-born Seydi told reporters yesterday.

The private establishment will have over 100 beds and all the amenities of a modern hospital. Consultations and most of the services will be offered for free to the general public.

The Elephants’ captain was named this month as member of a reconciliation commission tasked with reuniting a nation broken by political and identity conflicts.