“We are aware that the health challenges of the future will require innovative responses, strengthened collaboration and increased investment in health research and management. Senegal is proud to be able to count on the Pasteur Institute to support this dynamic” he said.
The minister took part in the launch ceremony of activities marking the celebration of the centenary of the Pasteur Institute in Dakar.
To help Senegal face the challenges, he said, the IPD is expected to produce local development of vaccines and diagnostic technologies, which are essential to establish the health sovereignty of the African continent.
‘’By celebrating this centenary, the Senegalese authorities, through His Excellency, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, are committed to building an inclusive, resilient, equitable and contributory health system to the universal health collection.”, stressed Ibrahim Sy.
This anniversary also offers the opportunity to reflect on the future and the contribution of scientists to the materialization of systemic change advocated by the new public policy framework, Vision Senegal 2050.
‘’Your commitment is proof that health is a common good, which transcends borders and that only global solidarity will make it possible to meet the challenges of our time.”, said Ibrahima Sy.
-He invited researchers, decision-makers and other health professionals to ”demonstrate more solidarity, generosity and openness, for the creation of collaborative networks”, in order to produce knowledge that helps accelerate the elimination of diseases.
According to the health geographer, the Pasteur Institute in Dakar continues to play a crucial role in research into emerging diseases.
He quoted in this regard, ”the development of vaccine solutions adapted to our context, the training of a new generation of African researchers, international scientific cooperation, surveillance and biology’’.
The work accomplished by valiant patriots and development actors is a source ”of inspiration and hope”, for generations to come, praised the Minister of Health.
He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of Health and Social Action to support all initiatives that contribute to consolidating the activities of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar and supporting it in its ambition to be a center of global excellence.