Senegal officially opened a National Forum in Dakar dedicated to the repositioning of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). This meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Health and Social Action, Dr. Ibrahima Sy, and the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, General Jean Baptiste Tine, marks a new step in the political will to strengthen prevention and fully integrate vaccination into primary health care.

A multi-sectoral mobilization

Alongside regional governors, health officials and community stakeholders, technical and financial partners (WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, among others) reaffirmed their commitment.

Partner representative Dr. Madi Bâ emphasized that Senegal remains an "example of leadership in public health," but that it is now crucial to revitalize collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the territorial administration.

"The role of governors is central because they are the keystone at the decentralized level of administration," he insisted, calling for a collective effort to remove persistent blockages, namely the stagnation of vaccination coverage rates in certain areas, geographical disparities, vaccine hesitancy and financial constraints.

For Minister Ibrahima Sy, this means placing vaccination back at the heart of the 2025-2029 national development strategy, which emphasizes the promotion of human capital and social equity. "Vaccination remains an essential component of primary health care and a pillar of our national policy for the prevention of preventable diseases," he recalled.

While emphasizing its role in protecting families and freeing up resources for education, food and economic activities.

General Jean Baptiste Tine emphasized the responsibility of governors and prefects in the success of the EPI. "Public health is an essential element of public order, for which you are the guarantors at the regional level. Your commitment to supporting vaccination is essential," he declared.

He therefore called on the decentralized authorities to work closely with health teams and communities to improve vaccination coverage and restore confidence in vaccines.

Towards a national and regional roadmap

The forum's work should result in a roadmap adapted to the realities of different regions. While some, such as Dakar, are performing well, others are still lagging behind.

Because the objective is to exceed the threshold of 90% of children vaccinated per region, taking into account financial, sociocultural and logistical challenges.

Participants emphasized research and epidemiological surveillance, which are essential to demonstrate the benefits of vaccination and build public confidence.