Resistance to insecticides and drugs, humanitarian crises, and a lack of resources are just some of the challenges to overcome in order to eradicate malaria. This is despite the progress made in Senegal. To strengthen the response, the "Zero Malaria" Caravan traveled through the twelve municipalities of the Pikine department before ending its journey in Grand Mbao.

Jointly supported by the Ministry of Family, Solidarity and Social Action, through the National Solidarity Fund (FSN) and the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, via the National Malaria Control Program (PNLP), this initiative has made it possible to inform, raise awareness and distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) to the population.

FNS Director General Baïdy Niang welcomed this collective mobilization, a symbol of the state's commitment to the fight against the disease. "This caravan is a concrete example of the government's commitment to fighting malaria," he said.

For his part, the PNLP coordinator, Professor Aliou Thiongane, stressed the need for an integrated approach to public health, in the face of the coexistence of new health threats. "Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but it is also important to prepare for other pathologies such as Rift Valley fever and Mpox, which are already present in the sub-region," he warned.

The caravan distributed thousands of mosquito nets, strengthened the capacity of community health workers, and raised awareness among households about malaria prevention and treatment. According to Professor Thiongane, regular use of ITNs and malaria chemoprevention remain proven strategies for reducing malaria morbidity and mortality.

Faced with the many challenges that still remain, the caravan is expected to expand to other locations such as Touba, Matam, Podor and Saint-Louis in the near future to ensure a wider territorial network and bring Senegal closer to its goal of eliminating malaria.