On July 30th 2025 in Dakar, the Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS(KELIN), in partnership with Enda Santé and with support from ITPC Global, convened a national workshop to confront the mounting challenges to medicine access in Senegal.
The event came at a critical moment, as the global funding crisis continues to destabilize health programs, particularly in developing countries. With the sharp decline in international aid, including recent cuts from USAID and the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, health programs in Senegal are feeling the pressure. Community-based organizations and patient networks, which have long been pillars in supporting treatment, education, and stigma reduction, are seeing their activities disrupted just when they’re needed most.
Throughout the day, participants examined how overlapping global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, and climate change, have exposed vulnerabilities in medicine supply chains. With 95% of medicines still imported, Senegal remains heavily dependent on external sources, leaving its population at risk during periods of global instability.
Despite these challenges, the workshop offered forward-looking perspectives. Emphasis was placed on the importance of domestic resource mobilization, the strengthening of local pharmaceutical production, and the use of legal and policy tools such as TRIPS flexibilities to facilitate access to generics and biosimilars. The Ministry of Health in Senegal , represented by Dr. Mor Diagne, outlined a three-pronged strategy: data-driven analysis, diversified funding sources, and a dedicated resource mobilization plan towards bridging this gap.
A consistent theme throughout the discussions was the need for stronger coordination between public health and trade policies, as well as increased community participation in shaping and monitoring access strategies. Participants also underscored the necessity of a regional approach, one that prioritizes transparency in trade negotiations, rejects restrictive intellectual property clauses, and promotes South-South cooperation.
The workshop concluded with a shared understanding: Senegal has both the opportunity and the responsibility to assert greater control over its pharmaceutical future. Achieving pharmaceutical sovereignty is essential, and a matter of public health resilience. Moving from dependence to autonomy will require strategic reforms, inclusive policymaking, and sustained political will. Participants acknowledged that tools are available and what is needed now is collective action.
For more information, please contact:
Pesa Okania | Programme Officer – HIV, TB and KAPS-KELIN
and Dr Papa Djibril NDOYE, MPH| Directeur Adjoint / Deputy Director | ENDA Santé
E-mail: okaniapesa@kelinkenya.org : djibril.ndoye@enda-sante.org
Website: www.enda-sante.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
