Senegal Leads Africa in Post-Validation Surveillance for Neglected Tropical Diseases
Dakar, Monday, 11 August 2025.
Senegal has set a precedent in Africa by applying the WHO’s surveillance toolkit for NTDs after stopping mass drug administration in 2022, integrating community and national health systems.
WHO Toolkit Implementation in Senegal
Senegal has emerged as a leader in implementing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) integrated post-validation surveillance (PVS) toolkit for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), specifically targeting onchocerciasis. This initiative comes after Senegal halted its mass drug administration for onchocerciasis in 2022 and embarked on a three-year surveillance phase to secure and verify the elimination of the disease as a public health problem [1][2].
Cross-Sector and Community Involvement
The successful deployment of this toolkit highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration, effectively integrating community efforts with national healthcare systems to ensure sustainable health improvements. Through webinars and discussions, stakeholders share insights into developing practical strategies and overcoming challenges in managing NTDs post-elimination [1][2].
Alignment with Global Health Goals
Senegal’s initiative aligns closely with the WHO’s 2030 roadmap for NTDs, demonstrating a commitment to health equity and sustainable healthcare solutions. The country’s strategy is viewed as a model for other nations aiming to achieve similar health milestones, illuminating a path toward eradicating NTDs across the continent [1][3].
Economic and Health Implications
The economic implications of successfully implementing the PVS strategy are significant, potentially reducing healthcare costs and increasing workforce productivity through decreased disease prevalence. Furthermore, maintaining rigorous surveillance ensures continued health improvements and serves as a beacon of healthcare innovation in Africa [1][2].