On the frontlines of diabetes fight in Senegal

Senegal, like many African countries, is bearing an increasing heavy diabetes burden. While efforts are being made to improve prevention, care and treatment, Professor Maïmouna Ndour Mbaye, head of the Internal Medicine unit, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar and director of the country’s national Diabetes Centre, notes that stepping up diabetes control in Senegal starts with a strong national programme. The response must involve all the sectors of the society up to individuals who have a crucial prevention role by adopting healthy practices.

How Senegal prepared for COVID-19 surge

As the second wave of COVID-19 infections surged in early 2021, Senegal stepped up measures to cope with the anticipated rise in the number of patients needing critical care. Professor Daye Ka, Infectious and Tropical Disease Expert and member of Senegal’s COVID-19 task force, explains the steps taken to avert hospitals being overrun by a drastic rise in critically ill patients.

Enhancing diagnosis to beat COVID-19 in Senegal

Senegal’s Institut Pasteur was one of only two laboratories in Africa able to test for COVID-19 at the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. The institution’s director, Dr Amadou Sall, speaks about the efforts Senegal has made to strengthen testing as well as the challenges faced.

African Vaccination Week (AVW) Senegal

The Launch of the African Vaccination Week took place on the 22 of April by an advocacy meeting chaired by the Ministry of health. 

The AVW will continue up to the 28 April in health districts with the implementation of strategies aiming at increasing vaccination coverage in hard to reach areas, in vulnerable groups, and screening and management of malnutrition.