The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l'Enfant Lagune de Cotonou (CHU-MEL) serves as a premier referral institution for the health of mothers and children in Benin. Established through the 2002 merger of the maternity hospital Lagune and the maternal-child health center (originally both founded in 1958), CHU-MEL is a national reference center for high-risk obstetric and pediatric cases. The hospital is a leader in advancing maternal and child health and combines clinical care with teaching and research activities .

• Obstetrics & Gynecology: Comprehensive care for women's health, including prenatal and postnatal services.

• Pediatrics: Medical care for infants, children, and adolescents.

• Neonatology: Specialized care for newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with health complications.

• Pediatric Surgery: Surgical interventions for children with various medical conditions.

• Emergency Services: 24/7 emergency care for urgent medical situations.

• Laboratory Services: Diagnostic testing and imaging to support medical treatments.

• Focuses on evidence-based, patient-centered clinical care

• Internal audits, clinical reviews, and hygienic protocol adherence

• Ongoing improvement of services; noted for hospital hygiene and efforts in safe patient nutrition 

• Vision: To be the national leader in maternal and child health, providing accessible, innovative, and compassionate care for Benin’s families.

• Mission: Offer high-quality, evidence-based health services for mothers and children, serve as a training and research hub, and improve health outcomes for future generations.