The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of strengthening national response capacities at all levels. Currently, Senegal is facing a resurgence of disease outbreaks, notably Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and Dengue fever. As of November 30, 2025, laboratories had confirmed over 530 human cases of RVF, 428 animal cases, and 5,431 cases of Dengue fever.

These figures were revealed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Serigne Mbaye, and the Director General of Public Health, Ousmane Cissé. They were speaking at the opening of an annual multi-sectoral evaluation workshop on progress of the International Health Regulations (IHR), organized from January 12 to 16, 2026 in Thiès.

The "One Health" approach to anticipating crises

The emergence of these arboviruses provides further justification for conducting a rigorous self-assessment using the WHO's e-SPAR technical tool. The objective is to prevent, prepare for, and respond to any potential new health threats within the national territory.

Experts believe that strengthening these capacities is essential to ensuring the continuity of basic services, with a particular focus on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent reproductive health (MNCH). The challenge is to guarantee that the health system remains resilient, even during major crises.

The strategic objectives of the Thiès workshop

This five-day meeting, organised by the IHR National Focal Point in collaboration with the WHO, FAO and the World Bank, aims to achieve several key objectives:

Reorient the actors of the "One Health" concept to the use of the e-SPAR tool and to provide the progress indicators made available by the WHO for each sector of activity.

Evaluate the 2025 action plan and develop a new roadmap for 2026, while disseminating the country report on monitoring the implementation of the IHR to the WHO and various technical and financial partners.

By strengthening the synergy between the human, animal and environmental health sectors, Senegal hopes to transform its level of preparedness for public health emergencies of international concern.