We are pleased to share our insights from last week’s Association des Pédiatres de Langue Française (APLF) conference in Dakar (Senegal). This distinguished event, organized by the Société Sénégalaise de Pédiatrie (SoSePed), convened pediatricians and healthcare professionals from Francophone countries to explore the latest developments in pediatric care. 

Our Panels and Contributions  

The Chiesi Foundation was privileged to contribute to different panels at the conference. We organized a symposium on Thursday, where Massimo Salvadori, Chiesi Foundation Coordinator, articulated the Chiesi Foundation’s mission and NEST Model. Ousman Mouhamadou, IMPULSE Project Coordinator, presented the IMPULSE (Improving Quality and Use of Newborn Indicators) project, aimed at enhancing the quality and usage of health indicators, while Sandrine Mukeshimana, Head of Neonatology Department at Ngozi Regional Hospital, discussed the integration of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at the Ngozi Regional Hospital in Burundi.  

Additionally, a notable session we participated in was the symposium titled “Boîte à outils pour les nouveau-nés” (Newborn Toolkit) on Saturday. This session was pivotal in advancing discussions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.2, which targets reducing neonatal mortality to below 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030. 

Federica Cassera, Chiesi Foundation Program Development Officer, was a panelist, alongside Professor Ousmane Ndiaye, Chair of APLF and Chiesi Foundation Technical Advisor, and Tomomi Kitamura, UNICEF Regional Office for the West and Central Africa. The panel focused on the implementation toolkit for the care of small and sick newborns, a global resource intended to strengthen health systems. Federica Cassera provided insights into the Chiesi Foundation’s focus on newborn health in Francophone Africa, our investment in this toolkit, and how it aligns with our strategic objectives. 

About the Conference  

The APLF conference covered a comprehensive range of topics in pediatric care, including nutrition, adolescent health, infectious diseases, and neonatal care. The scientific agenda included keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by esteemed experts from around the globe. This year’s conference highlighted the significance of ethical standards in neonatology, managing chronic diseases in children, and the most recent advancements in pediatric research. 

Our Commitment  

The Chiesi Foundation remains dedicated to enhancing access to quality healthcare for newborns, mothers, and families within the most vulnerable communities of Francophone sub-Saharan Africa. Our involvement in the APLF conference emphasized our commitment to sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and pioneering innovation in neonatal care. 

We were delighted to engage with peer healthcare professionals, share our experiences, and learn from the collective expertise present at the conference. Together, we aim to make significant advancements in reducing neonatal mortality and securing a healthier future for all children. 

Thank you for attending

We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizers of the APLF conference for facilitating this forum to address key issues in neonatal care. We also express our gratitude to all participants for their dedication to improving newborns’ health and well-being worldwide. Let us continue to collaborate towards achieving our shared goals and making a lasting impact on the lives of newborns and their families.