It is with deep gratitude that I share with you a historic step in improving healthcare provision in the northern zone of Senegal: the inauguration of the Anesthesia-Resuscitation department of the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital Center, fully rehabilitated according to international standards.

- A plea born from our health realities:

This achievement is not a matter of chance. It is the result of a long advocacy campaign initiated in response to the alarming evolution of our health indicators: a morbidity and mortality rate in intensive care of 31% in 2021, a high rate of evacuations to Dakar in the past, and a referral rate of 35% to the intensive care unit in Saint Louis from peripheral facilities. These figures revealed a critical need for facilities adapted to modern pathologies.

It was on the basis of this rigorous analysis that the project was presented to our partners, demonstrating with evidence the need to invest in critical care in Saint-Louis.

- A systemic approach for sustainable effectiveness :

Effective emergency medical and surgical care relies on a systemic approach that integrates all links in the healthcare chain. Thanks to the ongoing support of Luxembourg Cooperation within the framework of the Fourth Indicative Cooperation Programme (ICP IV) between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Senegal, and to the vision outlined by the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, this approach has materialized in our region through:

• The construction of the first decentralized branch of the national SAMU (Emergency Medical Service) in Saint-Louis,

• The construction of emergency reception units in peripheral facilities

• The rehabilitation and upgrading of the Emergency Reception Services (ERS) in the northern zone;

• Mastering emergency data through the e-Emergency project, a valuable tool for planning;

• Support for initial and continuing training related to medical and surgical emergencies.

The renovation of our intensive care unit thus constitutes the final and essential step in this virtuous cycle. It completes an integrated system which, starting from the community, passing through the emergency medical services and the emergency department, leads to high-quality critical care.

- An achievement serving the Senegal 2050 vision:

This inauguration is fully aligned with efforts to decentralize healthcare services, in accordance with the Senegal 2050 vision and the Sectoral Policy Letter of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene. It embodies the firm commitment to bringing specialized care closer to the population and reducing territorial inequalities in access to critical care.

A modern tool at the service of excellence:

Our refurbished unit now features 9 electric beds in individual cubicles, each equipped with a technical wall, video surveillance, and a pre-positioned central monitoring system.

- A hemodialysis booth in intensive care,

- of resuscitation ventilators, ultrasound scanner

- a blood gas analyzer,

- a 25-seat training room equipped for videoconferencing.

- Controlled access, Gerflox flooring

- Etc

Sincere thanks to the Ministry of Health, the DEM, and Mr. El Hage Sader TOP, Director of the hospital, for his unwavering commitment.

Sincere thanks to Luxembourg Cooperation for its decisive financial support.

Our department will now bear the memory of two emblematic figures. The staff and training room will be named after Professor Mamadou Diarrah BEYE, a pioneer in education and tireless advocate for quality emergency care. The treatment area will be dedicated to Dr. Mactar DIENG, who represents for us a model of clinical dedication at the bedside.

This rehabilitated service is a symbol of resilience, hope, and commitment. Together, we are writing a new chapter in the history of healthcare in northern Senegal, in service of the Senegal 2050 vision.

"Health sovereignty is within our reach; let's make it a reality."

Professor Moustapha Diedhiou

Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Intensive Care

Graduate in Health Emergencies / Epidemiology

Head of the Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit – Emergency Coordinator

CHR Saint Louis