On the Frontlines of Child Health in Senegal: Supporting Amref Health Africa’s Efforts
Astellas Global Health Foundation Grant Helps to Expand Access Points for Child Health Services
The Astellas Global Health Foundation is in its second year of providing Amref Health Africa with almost $1.7 million over three years to help train and deploy skilled health workers and expand access points for child health services in the Kolda and Sédhiou regions of Senegal.
By Fatou Cissé, Manager, Partnerships, Amref USA
As a Senegalese-American, my childhood was filled with trips to Senegal, and I even had the chance to live there between ages 7-11. However, my work with Amref has revealed a different side of the country, one that has deepened my understanding of community health. In early 2023, I had the privilege of visiting Amref’s Capital Santé project, funded by the Astellas Global Health Foundation and dedicated to improving child health in Senegal.
A cornerstone of our work involves health workers conducting counseling camps in schools. During these camps, medical experts volunteer their time to provide consultations, treat patients, and educate families about health resources. These events also help us identify health needs among children, including those that need surgery. After the school consultations, we refer children to health centers as needed and organize pediatric surgery camps. Guided by top surgeons, the project offers specialized treatment to children from low-income families, many of whom may never have access to such care otherwise.
The surgeries were successful, with many children returning home the same day. In the recovery unit, I witnessed parents' deep gratitude, especially the mother of a child who had undergone hernia surgery. Some shed tears of relief as their children's health were restored.
This gratitude extends to the project staff and healthcare workers involved in the school consultation camps. I spoke with Mareme, a project assistant, who shared her experiences of reaching children in remote areas where healthcare is scarce. Traveling to communities where roads are rugged and GPS often fails, Mareme leads a committed team of healthcare workers dedicated to delivering medical care to underserved communities. Their journey is filled with challenges such as impassable roads and schools lacking basic facilities. Yet, despite these obstacles, they remain steadfast in their mission.
At each school camp, healthcare workers identify and treat a range of issues, from ear infections to dental problems, ensuring every child receives care at no cost. Mareme and her team work closely with teachers and parents to make this possible. Despite challenges, Mareme finds fulfillment in helping families live healthier lives, saying, “Knowing that we are helping children and families live longer, healthier lives makes all the effort worthwhile.” This experience highlights the importance of Amref's work and the deep gratitude from the communities we serve, reminding us why we do what we do.
About Amref Health Africa
Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based healthcare nonprofit, serving millions of people every year. Amref Health Africa began on the continent as the Flying Doctors, bringing surgical services to remote communities using light aircraft. Their priorities have since expanded to strengthen health systems and train African health workers to respond to the continent’s most critical health challenges. Their approach is community-based and makes the people they reach partners rather than just beneficiaries. Over 97% of their global staff are Africans, so they are always tackling African challenges with African expertise. Amref Health Africa is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya with programs in 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Learn more about their programs at amrefusa.org.