Focus Area
Humanitarian Relief
Location
Tabarre, Haiti
Beneficiaries
Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) In collaboration with the Francesca Rava Foundation and N.P.H. - 30,000 patients annually, including newborns and neonatal staff
Safavi's Role
Partner-funded initiative in support of ABF’s neonatology program and equipment investment
Key Impact
Contributed to enhanced training for Haitian medical personnel and to the development of neonatal infrastructure through ABF’s Virginia Project
Project Overview
Saint Damien Neonatology Department – Virginia Project
The Safavi Philanthropic Initiative joined the Andrea Bocelli Foundation in supporting the neonatology unit at Saint Damien Pediatric Hospital, the largest pediatric hospital in the Caribbean. The project centered on two main priorities: equipping the hospital’s new neonatal operating room and strengthening training for local healthcare professionals.
The neonatology department treats premature infants and newborns with neonatal complications, often born underweight or from malnourished mothers. It houses 32 intensive and sub-intensive care beds and is affiliated with the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome.
This initiative contributes to the hospital’s broader mission to improve maternal and infant survival in Haiti, where maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain among the highest in the world.
Beneficiary Profile
The project benefits approximately 30,000 patients per year, including infants requiring neonatal intensive care, their mothers, and the medical professionals caring for them. The initiative also serves the hospital’s Haitian medical staff—supporting training and self-sufficiency in specialized neonatal care.
Safavi's Role
Safavi’s contribution supported the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s efforts to provide specialized medical training and equipment for the neonatology unit. This included backing the professional development of Haitian healthcare workers and the procurement of medical infrastructure for the newly created neonatal operating room.
Safavi’s involvement was coordinated in partnership with ABF and their collaborators, aligning with the Foundation’s larger Virginia Project efforts at Saint Damien.
Project Gallery
Impact Achieved
Thanks to partner support including Safavi:
The Saint Damien Hospital received new medical equipment for the neonatal operating room
Haitian healthcare personnel received ongoing training to develop long-term capacity in neonatal medicine
The hospital advanced its ability to care for premature and at-risk infants, particularly in high-risk rural and underserved populations
The project contributed to a reduction in neonatal mortality through improved infrastructure and specialized care
Purpose & Signifigance
This initiative aligns with Safavi’s commitment to sustainable, locally-empowered healthcare. By supporting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s efforts in Haiti, the project aimed to reduce infant mortality and improve outcomes for vulnerable mothers and children. Strengthening neonatal services within Saint Damien Hospital contributes to broader systemic improvements in Haiti’s pediatric care infrastructure.
Future Outlook
With the completion of the new neonatal operating room and continued staff training, Saint Damien Hospital is positioned to deliver more advanced care to thousands of infants annually. Safavi’s contribution supports ABF’s long-term goal of enhancing healthcare access in Haiti through strategic investments in capacity-building and facility improvements.
