Latest news with #IbrahimaSy
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Senegal joins growing list of countries that have eliminated trachoma
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Senegal as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Senegal becomes the ninth country in WHO's African Region to have achieved this feat. 'I commend Senegal for freeing its population from this disease', said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 'This milestone is yet another sign of the remarkable progress being made against neglected tropical diseases globally, and offers hope to other countries still working to eliminate trachoma.' Trachoma has been known in Senegal since the early 1900s and was confirmed as a major cause of blindness through surveys in the 1980s and 1990s. Senegal joined the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma in 1998, conducted its first national survey in 2000, and completed full disease mapping by 2017 with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data. Trachoma control was consistently integrated into national eye health programmed, first under the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and later through the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO) – maintaining its commitment to trachoma elimination. 'Today we celebrate our victory against trachoma, 21 years after the one against dracunculiasis' said Dr Ibrahima Sy, Senegal's Minister of Health and Social Action. 'This new milestone reminds us that our overarching goal remains a Senegal free from neglected tropical diseases. We are fully committed to this, and we are making good progress, notably against human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and onchocerciasis'. Senegal implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma with the support of partners, reaching 2.8 million people who needed them across 24 districts. These activities included provision of surgery to treat the late blinding stage of the disease, conducting antibiotic mass drug administration of azithromycin donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative, carrying out public awareness campaigns to promote facial cleanliness, and improvement in access to water supply and sanitation. Trachoma is the second neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in Senegal. In 2004, the country was certified free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) transmission. Globally, Senegal joins 24 other countries that have been validated by WHO for having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. These are Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam. These countries are part of a wider of group of 57 countries that have eliminated one or more neglected tropical diseases. WHO is supporting Senegal's health authorities to closely monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease. 'Trachoma has cast a shadow over communities in Senegal for more than a century. This long-awaited validation is not only a milestone for public health but a powerful tribute to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and partners who never gave up,' said Dr Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal. 'Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united with pride, gratitude and resolve. WHO remains committed to supporting Senegal as the country continues to lead in sustaining this hard-earned achievement.' Disease prevalence Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries, with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East. WHO's African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma, with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden. Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction. There are currently 20 countries (Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) in WHO's African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. A further 3 countries in the Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau and Namibia) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.
See - Sada Elbalad
16-04-2025
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
OIC Health Expo kicks Off in Dakar, Senegal
Mohamed Mandour The 5th OIC Health Expo and the 10th Edition of the Dakar International Expo on Health and Medical Equipment (SASDK) were officially inaugurated today in Dakar, Republic of Senegal, by Dr. Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health and Social Action. Jointly organized by the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Ministry of Health and Social Action, and the Ministry of Trade and Industries of Senegal, the Expo has brought together government officials from OIC Member States and beyond, pharmaceutical companies, civil society organizations, and academic and research institutions under the theme 'Health as a tool for the economic development of OIC Member States.' Speaking on behalf of the OIC General Secretariat, Mr. Abdunur M. Sekindi, Director General of the Science and Technology Department, highlighted the significance of the Expo in fostering Public-Private Partnerships and providing a platform for Member States to showcase indigenous capabilities. He reaffirmed the full support of the OIC General Secretariat to the ICDT, the Government of Senegal, and all participating stakeholders in ensuring the continued success of this important initiative. In his keynote address, Dr. Ibrahima Sy reiterated Senegal's commitment to advancing regional cooperation in health and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling shared health challenges. The Expo will feature several high-level panel discussions addressing critical topics such as access to and promotion of pharmaceutical products, the One Health approach, Health in All Policies, and investment opportunities in the health sector. It will also serve as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) networking and the signing of joint ventures aimed at strengthening the health ecosystem across OIC countries. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The 5th OIC Health Expo and 10th edition of Dakar International Expo on Health and Medical Equipment kick Off in Dakar, Senegal
The 5th OIC Health Expo and the 10th Edition of the Dakar International Expo on Health and Medical Equipment (SASDK) were officially inaugurated today in Dakar, Republic of Senegal, by H.E. Dr. Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health and Social Action. Jointly organized by the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Ministry of Health and Social Action, and the Ministry of Trade and Industries of Senegal, the Expo has brought together government officials from OIC Member States and beyond, pharmaceutical companies, civil society organizations, and academic and research institutions under the theme 'Health as a tool for the economic development of OIC Member States.' Speaking on behalf of the OIC General Secretariat, Mr. Abdunur M. Sekindi, Director General of the Science and Technology Department, highlighted the significance of the Expo in fostering Public-Private Partnerships and providing a platform for Member States to showcase indigenous capabilities. He reaffirmed the full support of the OIC General Secretariat to the ICDT, the Government of Senegal, and all participating stakeholders in ensuring the continued success of this important initiative. In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Ibrahima Sy reiterated Senegal's commitment to advancing regional cooperation in health and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling shared health challenges. The Expo will feature several high-level panel discussions addressing critical topics such as access to and promotion of pharmaceutical products, the One Health approach, Health in All Policies, and investment opportunities in the health sector. It will also serve as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) networking and the signing of joint ventures aimed at strengthening the health ecosystem across OIC countries.
