To mark World Kidney Day, celebrated on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, 2026, the Universal Health Coverage Agency (SEN-CSU), in collaboration with its partners, patient associations, and healthcare professionals, organized a free screening and information day on kidney diseases. This day, themed "Kidney Health for All - Caring for People, Protecting the Planet," aimed to raise public awareness of the importance of kidney health and to promote prevention and early detection of kidney diseases.

In his address, Djibril Faye, the technical advisor in charge of social protection issues at the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity (MIFASS), emphasized that kidney disease is a silent reality that weighs heavily on families' healthcare expenses and on social and economic policies. He also indicated that this year's theme underscores that early prevention is key to reducing mortality related to this disease. Mr. Faye noted that the National Health Insurance Fund (SEN-CSU), whose mission is to guarantee the social well-being of individuals, has made the management of kidney disease an absolute priority within its 2025-2029 strategic development plan.

Mr. Faye stated that despite the government's ongoing commitment to free dialysis, challenges persist in the management of kidney diseases, noting that 40% of the SEN-CSU budget is allocated to dialysis. He explained that treatment faces persistent challenges, including budgetary constraints, high input costs, logistical complexities, and the availability of human resources. Mr. Faye also commended the commitment of development partners, particularly ENABEL and GHLP, and congratulated the Director General of SEN-CSU for his dedication to the prevention and management of kidney diseases.

For his part, the Director General of SEN-CSU, Dr. El Hadj Sega Gueye, emphasized that thousands of Senegalese suffer from kidney disease and struggle to access healthcare. Dr. Gueye noted that the Senegalese government has made significant efforts to improve care for these patients, while deploring the exorbitant treatment costs that are financially devastating for families. He also announced that SEN-CSU has established a dialysis unit to stabilize the list of patients receiving dialysis treatment nationwide and to develop strategies for optimizing the operation of existing dialysis centers.

He also commended the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSHP) and the Ministry of Health and Social Security (MIFASS) for validating a new economic model to streamline state resources dedicated to dialysis, enabling the treatment of more patients. Dr. Gueye indicated that the National Health and Social Care Unit (SEN-CSU) has also undertaken to support the kidney transplantation development project for the management of end-stage chronic kidney disease. According to him, a more generous donation is planned to continue providing free kidney transplantation services based on the agreed-upon needs. Finally, he called for collective action to improve the care of kidney disease patients in Senegal.

The president of the National Council for Kidney Donation and Transplantation, Dr. Fary Ka, stated that chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem in Senegal. According to him, approximately 5% of the population suffers from this "common, dangerous, and costly" disease. He also noted that dialysis treatment, which costs around 5 billion CFA francs annually, only covers 1,000 people.

To combat this disease, Dr. Ka recommends prevention by addressing avoidable risk factors, treating those affected, strengthening care efforts, investing in kidney transplantation, and expanding peritoneal dialysis. He also emphasized that kidney transplantation is a more economical and effective long-term option than dialysis. Dr. Ka urged the population to get screened and prioritize prevention by engaging in physical activity, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding self-medication. He also thanked the authorities for their commitment and determination in supporting the kidney transplantation project.