Two IDRC-supported researchers in Senegal appointed as ministers
Ibrahima Sy is Senegal’s newly appointed Minister of Health and Social Action, and Daouda Ngom has been appointed Minister of the Environment and Ecological Transition.
The project, called AI and hybrid modeling for community-based early detection of zoonotic disease in the context of climate change in Senegal (AI4DECLIC-Senegal), aims to enhance the epidemiological surveillance system in the country through a community-based, gender-sensitive early detection and warning system for diseases passed between animals and humans. This system leverages AI solutions to address the intersection of environmental, human and animal health, known as the one-health approach.
“We have created a competent group by bringing together a highly skilled team with individuals recognized and appointed to governmental roles,” said Professor Sylvain Landry Birane Faye, the principal investigator of the AI4DECLIC project. “We have confidence in the abilities of Professors Daouda Ngom and Ibrahima Sy and are certain that they will continue to be valuable members of our research program.” Faye explained that, “as active knowledge users, they will bridge the gap between the insights we produce and the development of public policies.”
AI4DECLIC focuses on improving human and environmental health systems that leverage locally designed innovations to address community needs and engage their active participation.
“As the newly appointed Minister of Health, I am committed to continuing the groundbreaking work we initiated with IDRC through AI4DECLIC-SN, of which I remain a member,” said Sy, a former senior lecturer in the Department of Geography at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar and an associate researcher with the Centre for Ecological Monitoring in Dakar. “I will continue to support and work with our research team to reach the objectives of our project. Together with a diverse range of partners, we will revolutionize Senegal’s health-care system through comprehensive training, cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships and the implementation of innovative technologies. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens and pave the way for a healthier future,” he said.
Ngom, a former full professor of plant biology at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, said: “As Minister of the Environment in Senegal, I reaffirm my commitment to collaborating with AI4DECLIC-SN, a research project for which I am also a member in pursuit of a sustainable environment. Our joint efforts aim to develop early warning systems that utilize advanced tools to predict changes and fluctuations in ecological, climatic, faunal and human factors that could lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases.” Ngom noted that the project was vital as the effects of climate change and human activities continued to disrupt the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. “I wholeheartedly support this project and its activities and will work toward incorporating its findings into our environmental policies,” he added.
The AI4DECLIC Senegal project is part of the Global South AI4PEP Network. This network supports researchers across the Global South in developing responsible AI solutions — those that are ethical, inclusive and sustainable — to help communities and countries prevent, prepare for and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious disease epidemics and pandemics. The Global South AI4PEP Network is part of IDRC’s AI for Global Health (AI4GH) initiative. AI4GH strives to position evidence and leadership from the Global South to shape discourses, policies and practices that strengthen health systems using responsible AI solutions.
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