Vieillissement de la population : le Sénégal face à un double défi sanitaire et social
The aging of the Senegalese population has become a major public health and development challenge. It was in this context that the Senegalese Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SSGG) held its first international scientific congress in Dakar on November 7th and 8th, 2025.
Held under the theme "Epidemiological and demographic transition in Africa", the meeting brought together national and international experts around essential sub-themes: geriatric syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies, as well as the psycho-social and legal aspects related to the loss of autonomy.
A congress to raise awareness and take action
The opening ceremony, chaired by Serigne Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, set the tone for an engaged discussion.
"We need to increase care capacity, confirm free care for the elderly and develop home care. Our seniors must benefit from quality care wherever they are," he said.
The ministry representative also stressed community solidarity.
"Older people need support from the authorities but also from the community. Everyone must feel concerned because sooner or later, we will all face this stage of life."
A dual challenge of public health and development
According to Professor Amadou Koumé, geriatrician and president of the SSGG, Senegal is facing a dual demographic and epidemiological transition.
"The growth rate of the elderly at 3.7% exceeds that of the general population estimated at 2.7%. In 25 years, Senegal will experience an aging that developed countries have experienced in a century," he warns.
This aging is accompanied by an increase in chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases among others, which put a strain on an already weakened health system.
"These costly conditions place a heavy burden on families and the health system," notes Professor Koumé.
Social protection: A project still unfinished
On the social front, coverage remains insufficient: only 30% of elderly people benefit from protection shared between IPRES and the National Pension Fund.
"The remaining 70% have no social protection even though the SESAM plan represents a significant effort. The bulk of the burden remains borne by families," emphasizes Professor Koumé.
He calls for a concerted national strategy involving public institutions, civil society and local communities.
"Aging is not just a governmental challenge, it is a national challenge. All parties must commit to building a more inclusive and supportive society for our elders."
Training for better care
Despite the scarcity of human resources, Senegal is a pioneer in Francophone Africa.
"We have the first chair of geriatrics and a specialized studies diploma created in 2018. Every year, about ten geriatricians are trained for the sub-region," says Professor Koumé.
The Ministry of Health also plans to award training scholarships to encourage young doctors to embrace this promising specialty.
"There is real hope. Young people are interested in geriatrics, aware that it is a discipline of the future," concludes Mr. Koumé.
Aging in good health: A collective responsibility
This first congress marks a major turning point.
Senegal wants to make aging a human and social opportunity where the experience of elders becomes a lever to inspire youth.
Between fragility and ambition, a rallying cry is emerging: healthy aging should no longer be a privilege, but a national priority. Healthcare professionals are calling for concrete actions to be taken to guarantee seniors a dignified and active life.
Commentaires (5)
Felicitation pour cet article, sujet tres important 👏
Il faut envisager la création d'un hôpital gériatrique ultra moderne au niveau des villes de Dakar, Touba et Thiès dans un premier temps.
Des mensonges cet article car 70 voir même 80% de la populations sénégalaise sont des jeunes
C'est la population européenne qui est vieillissante, l'Afrique dans son ensemble a la population la plus jeune dans le Monde
C tres important d'impliquer la diaspora dams le recensement du senegal. Ils sont entrain de retouner au pays sans un veritable plan de retraite. Aucun de mos lois ni mème le projet n'y pense. Leur etat de santè pesera lourdement sur le systeme. Sont ils comdamnès rester là ou ils ont trravailè toute leur vie ou revenir là ou ils ont mandatè toute leur economie. Que le senegal ne soit pas ingrat envers les modou-modou
Il faut aussi penser à l'aménagement adéquat des lieux pour accommoder l'accès aux personnes âgées ou à mobilité réduite.
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