20 years of Engagement: World Malaria Day in Senegal.

Senegal celebrates its continued success as all sectors engage in malaria elimination

With the theme of “Invest in the future, defeat Malaria,” The Senegal Ministry of Health and Social Action, the National Malaria Control Program, and the Zero Malaria! Count Me In Campaign convened over 700 individuals from the community, global development organizations, and the public and private sector, to celebrate the continued fight toward malaria elimination in Senegal. The spirit of the day was captured in a recorded message by young Ibrahima Thiaw middle school student Ouleye Dia, who enthusiastically proclaimed her commitment to the Zero Palu! Je m’engage Campaign. Celebrating one year of action and engagement, the Zero Malaria! Count Me In Campaign underscores the importance of every individual throughout Senegal doing what they can to finally eliminate malaria countrywide. Ms. Dia galvanized the entire audience, as at the completion of her statement, all 700 attendants stood and repeated her words and actions with fervor: Zero Palu! Je m’engage!

Senegal has been a shining example of malaria elimination worldwide. By implementing proven effective strategies and recommendations by the World Health Organization, Senegal has reduced its malaria mortality by 62% since 2006, saving nearly 30,000 children’s lives.

The third annual edition of the “Jambars” or Champions Ceremony celebrating World Malaria Day began with an opening Hymn of the National Anthem by Choir Des Martyrs de l’Ouganda from Dakar, and continued with remarks by the Director of the National Malaria Control Program, Dr. Mady Ba. Of particular importance at this year’s event was highlighting 20 years of operation and progress in malaria elimination by the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP). In addition to a presentation detailing the history of the NMCP, Speak Up Africa & PATH compiled a video of 20 representatives across all sectors currently engaged in the malaria fight (Zero Malaria! Count Them In). Included are Minister of Health Pr. Awa Marie Coll-Seck, United States Ambassador to Senegal, James P. Zumwalt, Internationally renowned singer, Youssou N’dour, and Kabirou Mdodje, CEO of WARI.

Jambar Award recipients included National Doctors Mountaga Elimane Dia, Youssoupha Lo, & Lassana Konate, and Professors Masserigne Soumare, Omar Gaye, and Dembel Sow; as well as the Global Fund, USAID, and local communications agencies. Certificate recipients included private sector organizations Aspire Academy, BICIS, Bayer, ECOBANK, PMI, and SANOFI, and global development organizations PATH, UNICEF, and WHO.

Link to the highlight video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=datZcv8VRbY&feature=youtu.be