WHO and Senegal reaffirm health partnership at African Union Summit
Date: 2026-02-16
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Senegal have reaffirmed
their commitment to deepening cooperation on health system strengthening,
pharmaceutical sovereignty, and regional health security.
This
followed a high-level meeting between Prof. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional
Director for Africa, and H.E. Ousmane Sonko, Prime Minister of Senegal, held on
the margins of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
According
to WHO, the discussions underscored the strength of the longstanding
partnership between the Organization and Senegal, particularly in advancing the
country’s Senegal 2050 development vision and ongoing national health reforms.
WHO
commended Senegal’s progress in pharmaceutical sovereignty and vaccine
production, highlighting the country’s growing role in strengthening Africa’s
health resilience. The Organization also acknowledged Senegal’s leadership in
addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health.
Senegal’s
recent public health achievements were cited during the meeting, including WHO
certification for the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in
2025. The introduction of the hexavalent vaccine into the country’s routine
immunization programme was also recognised as a significant milestone in
expanding protection against preventable diseases.
Prof.
Janabi extended congratulations to the Government of Senegal for these
accomplishments and expressed appreciation for the country’s continued support
of the WHO Regional Emergency Hub in Dakar. The hub has been instrumental in
enhancing emergency preparedness and rapid response capabilities across West
and Central Africa.
WHO
reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with Senegal, with a
focus on advancing health security, improving service delivery, and delivering
sustainable health outcomes for the population and the wider region.
