Senegal's Ministry of Health to Expand Diabetes and Hypertension Care

The Senegalese Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene plans to expand care for diabetes and hypertension to all districts in the country. Dr. Malick Anne, head of the division of non-communicable diseases, stated that the goal is to integrate care for these conditions into all health centers across the country. This move aims to bring care closer to patients and reduce congestion in specialized structures like Dakar's Marc Sankalé Center.

Currently, Senegal has 27 centers dedicated to diabetes and hypertension, with a 28th center recently opened in Pout, Thiès. The ministry's plan involves decentralizing care, providing continuous training for healthcare providers, and equipping health structures with diagnostic and monitoring equipment. This includes glucometers, hemoglobin A1c testing devices, and equipment for foot and eye exams.

The ministry also aims to integrate care for non-communicable diseases into the Universal Health Coverage initiative. Dr. Anne emphasized that the state already subsidizes insulin and is working with the National Pharmacy of Supply to make fixed-dose antidiabetic combinations available in pharmacies. This will simplify treatment, improve adherence, and reduce costs for patients.

Patient follow-up is another significant challenge, particularly due to the limited availability and high cost of certain exams. The ministry plans to equip decentralized structures with suitable devices and integrate these exams into Universal Health Coverage. Dr. Anne stressed the importance of therapeutic education in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, which requires lifelong monitoring.

The ministry has developed a training module for healthcare providers to enhance patient education, psychosocial support, and self-management skills. The ministry also plans to collaborate with patient associations, such as the Senegalese Association for Diabetic Support, to promote peer education and support for people living with diabetes.

Nutritional counseling is another area of focus, given the limited number of dietitians and nutritionists in health structures. The ministry plans to train nurses, midwives, and community health workers in basic nutritional counseling and develop tools tailored to local dietary habits. Strengthening the health information system will also enable long-term patient monitoring and resource planning.

The ministry will work with health structures, patient associations, technical and financial partners, and local authorities to support these efforts. According to Dr. Anne, diabetes is a priority in the ministry's non-communicable disease program, with concrete actions being implemented at the primary healthcare level. The ministry's plan is part of the Integrated Program for Non-Communicable Disease Control 2026-2030.

Key points

• The Senegalese Ministry of Health aims to expand care for diabetes and hypertension to all districts in the country.
• The ministry plans to decentralize care, provide training for healthcare providers, and equip health structures with diagnostic equipment.
• The initiative also includes integrating care for non-communicable diseases into Universal Health Coverage and promoting patient education and support.