Dakar, Senegal, December 13, 2024 – The 3rd edition of the Dakar Epidemics Forum took place in Dakar, Senegal, from December 9 to 13, 2024, marking a major milestone in discussions on the continent’s most pressing health issues. Organized by the Public Health Department of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, this event provided a strategic platform for exchanging views on epidemic control policies and public health challenges across Africa.
On December 12, 2024, this day of reflection was part of the centennial celebrations of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, with the participation of high-level figures such as :
- Dr. Ibrahima SY, Minister of Health and Social Action of Senegal;
- Dr. Filomena GONÇALVES, Minister of Health of Cabo Verde ;
- Prof. Awa Marie COLL SECK, Former Minister of Health of Senegal;
- Mr. Elhadji As Sy (President), Chairman of the Board of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar ;
- Mr. Namal NAWANA, Founding Executive Chairman and Board Member of Smith & Nephew Plc ;
- Dr. Ibrahima SOCE FALL, Assistant Director-General for Emergency Response at the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General ;
- Dr. Oliver MORGAN, Director of the WHO Pandemic and Epidemic Hub, and Prof. Thierno BALDE, Head of the WHO Regional Emergencies Hub and Director of the WHO Pandemic and Epidemic Hub ;
Also present were representatives from other international organizations such as WAHO, including Professor Issiaka SOMBIE in his capacity as Director of Public Health and Research (DPHR), CEPI, the Global Fund, Africa CDC, and many others.
On this centenary, we celebrate the collaboration among African countries and at the global level to accelerate the fight against diseases. In recent years, the IPD has supported more than 40 African countries in detecting and managing epidemics. Gatherings like the Dakar Epidemics Forum help strengthen exchanges and consolidate these essential partnerships.