Senegal leaders discuss the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) 4 & 5
10 January 2008
Dakar 10 January 2008 - Senegalese Prime Minister, Cheikh Hadjibou Soumare and the country's Ministers of Health and Budget , Mme Safiatou Thiam and Mr Ibrahima Sarr met with The Partnership Director, Dr Francisco Songane to discuss country and regional strategies to achieve MDGs 4 & 5 and save women and children lives.
In Senegal for the Costing Tools Workshop, Dr Songane heard from the leaders of the country's commitment and work to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), including the success of the local MNCH partnership between the governmental authorities, health professionals, NGOs, Universities and UN Agencies. The Prime Minister also spoke about the lack of health care workers in Senegal, especially in remote areas, and their short and long-term plans to address the crisis.
The leaders also discussed strategies to increase MNCH action on a more global level: Senegal is the chair of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) during the next three years, and will host the Conference in March 2008. Both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health expressed interest in placing maternal and child health on the OIC agenda. They pointed out that development depends on good health.
The Minister of Budget, Mr Sarr also expressed interest in the outcome of the costing-tools workshop and welcomed a possible document outlining MDG costing tools and clear and simple guidelines for their use.
Dr Songane also attended the Costing Tools Workshop, taking place in Saly Portudal, and met with local partners in Senegal.