The Association of District Medical Officers of Senegal held its second scientific conference this weekend, dedicated to the issue of health emergencies. The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Ibrahima Sy, was held under the theme "The Contribution of Districts to Emergency Care."

District medical officers, public health specialists and health system actors exchanged views on the challenges related to emergency management in Senegal, whether gynecological-obstetrical, medical-surgical or related to emerging diseases.

For Dr. Nien Seck, health districts remain the first line of defense in providing access to healthcare for the population.

“The district is an essential link in the public health system. We are the first point of contact with the population. Investing in and strengthening the district helps improve access to care and reduce inequalities,” he said.

The president of the association recalled the many challenges faced by health districts, including insufficient infrastructure, a shortage of qualified human resources, a lack of equipment and emergency medicines, and difficulties related to health governance.

In total, around thirty scientific presentations were given during these sessions to share the experiences of the districts in strengthening the health system. The recommendations resulting from these presentations will be forwarded to the health authorities.

For his part, Ibrahima Sy stressed the importance of preparing the health system to deal with the increase in accidents, non-communicable diseases and emerging diseases.

"Emergency is vital. Being efficient in emergencies means saving lives," he argued, announcing a strengthening of local health structures as part of Senegal's new health map.

The minister also mentioned the creation of level 3 health centers capable of housing certain specialties previously reserved for hospitals, in order to bring care closer to the population and reduce pressure on hospital centers.

Alongside these scientific days, the district chief doctors made a solidarity visit to the Mbour nursery where donations consisting of milk, diapers, packs of water and a financial envelope were handed over.

According to Dr. Ndèye Maguette Diop, this social action aims to support the most vulnerable groups and to support the work of the nursery staff who are facing growing needs.

"I felt a strong sense that we know the staff here are very committed, but we feel that the resources are not keeping up. There are a lot of children. From toddlers, infants from 0 to 6 months, from 6 months to 1 year, and even up to 18 years old. This shows that there is much to be done. Beyond the Association of District Chief Physicians, I think all Senegalese people should support this nursery which is doing excellent work," urges Dr. Diop.