Senegal has taken a historic step in transforming its healthcare landscape with the launch of its first National Burn Treatment Center at Dakar’s Main Hospital.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presided over the groundbreaking ceremony on July 4, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s long-overdue efforts to address the growing crisis of severe burn injuries.
With nearly 25,000 burn cases reported annually—more than 1,000 of which require intensive care—the nation has been operating with a stark lack of resources.
Until now, Dakar’s Main Hospital, one of the country’s most advanced medical institutions, offered only three beds for severe burn victims, treating around 200 patients per year.
The disparity between need and capacity has had fatal consequences, underscoring the urgency for systemic reform.
“The goal is to reduce burn-related mortality to below 5%,” officials stated at the event, outlining the mission of the new Burn Treatment Center (CTB).
Meeting that objective will require not only advanced medical equipment and skilled personnel, but a comprehensive care environment aligned with international standards.
The CTB, expected to become a national and regional reference point, is funded through a public-private partnership at a total cost of 15 billion CFA francs.
The Senegalese government and the Senelec Foundation are co-financing the project, with the latter contributing 7 billion CFA francs. This partnership reflects a broader strategy of leveraging private investment to strengthen public health infrastructure.
Strategically located at the Main Hospital in Dakar, the center will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide advanced treatment for serious burn victims.
It will also play a key role in improving emergency response and long-term rehabilitation outcomes.
The project has been widely praised as a model for regional development, with potential to inspire similar initiatives across West Africa, where burn injuries remain an underserved public health challenge.
With construction underway, Senegal is on course to revolutionize burn care, setting a new benchmark in healthcare delivery for some of its most vulnerable citizens.
About The Author
