Senegal

Improving diagnostics and surveillance

In Senegal, West Africa’s leading country in terms of laboratory systems governance, we contributed significantly to the creation of the Laboratories Department. This Department now supports the country in implementing its strategic laboratory plan, and in setting up innovative tools to contribute to integrated disease surveillance.

This contribution took place through RESAOLAB, the West African Network of Medical Biology Laboratories, set up by the Mérieux Foundation. Senegal has been a member since 2009, and is taking part in initiatives designed to strengthen the structure of laboratory systems by reinforcing governance, supporting training, assisting with quality management, and setting up surveillance. In Senegal, this involves providing support for the Laboratories Department, set up with the Foundation’s backing, which is now piloting the implementation of the national strategic plan for laboratories and the deployment of innovative tools for integrated disease surveillance. The network also helps to develop the skills of Senegalese laboratory professionals by awarding grants to enable them to follow a continuing education program we have set up in Mali.

Our work in Senegal also involves installing innovative laboratory management tools. We have deployed the LabBook software at several facilities across the country to improve the traceability of analyses, the quality of diagnostic services and the integration of data into national platforms such as DHIS2 and WHONET.

We also help local health organizations and authorities to strengthen their AMR surveillance capacity, drawing up action plans and training professionals in good practices for the use of antimicrobials. We organize our projects according to the “One Health” approach, which is based on the interdependence of human, veterinary, and environmental issues. As a result, we were selected by the Fleming Fund to pilot their grant programs, set up to support the production and analysis of AMR data and to strengthen the technical skills and leadership of professionals involved in surveillance systems.

Advancing public health

The Mérieux Foundation works to advance public health in Senegal by supporting training, applied research, and the sharing of knowledge. For example, we work with the Institut Pasteur in Dakar to jointly organize the Afro-ACDx course, a program targeted at laboratory directors and public health decision-makers, designed to strengthen their leadership skills and promote the importance of medical diagnostics.

Support for global health

The Mérieux Foundation works alongside local partners to improve living conditions for vulnerable populations. These projects cover access to healthcare, education, and basic needs such as hygiene, food, and housing.

Building on its experience in Lebanon, the Mérieux Foundation is working with the local health authorities to coordinate the construction of a primary healthcare center in Thiadiaye, which will offer comprehensive care including medical treatment, psychological support, social and nutritional assistance, and support for parents.

We also support Samusocial Senegal, a long-standing partner, in its work with vulnerable young people. This partnership aims to combat social exclusion by providing medical, psychological, and social care, health education, mobile aid, and emergency accommodation.