Prowess in the fight against tuberculosis – the new forum

With an estimated incidence rate 110 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023tuberculosis remains an active health threat in Senegal. Consequently, Densely populated urban areas. In addition, as Guédiawaye and Pikinecontinue to concentrate a worrying number of infections, with Over 500 cases identified in the first half of 2025. Nevertheless, This persistence. Moreover, fueled by precarious living conditions and diagnostic delays, requires responses adapted to the complexity of the pathogen and the evolution of resistance to treatments.

It is in this context that the laboratories of The Institute of Research in Health. Meanwhile, Epidemiological Surveillance and Training (Iressef) have achieved a decisive breakthrough: the Complete sequencing of the tuberculous bacillus genome, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, This national first. conducted under the supervision of Pr Souleymane Mboup,, was held at Diamniadio As part of the Pharmaco-resistance survey carried out with the National Tuberculosis prowess fight against tuberculosis – (PNT) program.

Understand to treat better – Prowess fight against tuberculosis –

The sequencing of the bacillus now makes it possible to identify. with genetic precision, the mutations responsible for antibiotic resistance. This capacity deeply transforms the way of approaching treatments. Medical protocols can now be personalized according to the exact profile of the strain identified in each patient. This type of approach avoids prescription errors. limits the worsening of cases and reduces the risks of propagation of multi-resistant strains.

But interest does not stop at the clinic. By analyzing the DNA of the bacteria. researchers can also Follow the circulation of resistant strains in the countrymap the emergence foci and adjust public health policies accordingly. Genetic information becomes a strategic monitoring tool, as essential as vaccination or radiography.

A global national advance

This scientific feat strengthens the local capacities of Senegal to respond to health emergencies. by research -based solutions. It is the prowess fight against tuberculosis – fruit of field work coupled with advanced technology, now controlled on a national scale. It also offers a lever of sovereignty in an area often dependent on foreign laboratories for the most advanced analyzes.

The challenge is now Generalize the use of this technology In the public health network. by forming professionals and expanding the coverage of tests. Because if scientific advances are essential. their real impact will depend on their ability to reach the most vulnerable populations-the very people who, even today, fall sick for lack of a rapid and suitable diagnosis.