Senegal has secured US$135 million in financing from the World Bank to strengthen its health system and expand access to quality care for women, children, and adolescents, officials said Wednesday.
The funding will support the Health System Development and Financial Protection Program, known as Naatangue 2030, which aims to improve maternal, child, and adolescent health while increasing insurance coverage for vulnerable populations.
“Naatangue 2030 reflects our shared commitment with the Senegalese government to ensure that every woman, child, and adolescent has access to quality health care without being exposed to vulnerability,” said Djibrilla Issa.
The program will focus on expanding access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care, strengthening routine screening, and ensuring continuity of care. It will also deploy additional healthcare workers to underserved areas, increase the availability of essential medicines, and reinforce health information systems to support data-driven policy decisions.
In addition, Naatangue 2030 seeks to bolster the resilience of Senegal’s health system by implementing regional early warning mechanisms to better respond to health and environmental shocks.
Senegal has made notable progress in health outcomes over the past decade. Maternal mortality fell to 153 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 from 392 in 2015, according to the World Health Organization. Infant mortality stands at 30 deaths per 1,000 live births, while 68% of women attend at least four prenatal visits, and 75 percent of births are assisted by skilled health personnel.
Despite these gains, inequalities persist, particularly between urban and rural areas. Remote regions often face shortages of healthcare workers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited medical equipment. High costs and low health insurance coverage also continue to restrict access for vulnerable populations.
The new World Bank financing aims to address these structural gaps, enhancing equity in healthcare delivery and strengthening the system’s capacity to provide quality services nationwide.
Naatangue 2030 forms part of Senegal’s broader strategy to modernize its health system, reduce disparities, and improve financial protection for its citizens, particularly women, children, and adolescents. The program is expected to complement existing national reforms while accelerating progress toward sustainable health outcomes.
With the support of the World Bank, Senegal hopes to ensure that improvements in healthcare access and quality reach all regions and communities, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to universal health coverage and equitable development.
