TITLE:
Preparation and Response to Public Health Emergencies in Senegal between 2023-2025: Experience of the Health Emergency Operations Center
AUTHORS:
Youssou Bamar Gueye, Ibra Diagne, Diambogne Ndour, Marie Ndiaye, Ndeye Amy Sene, Papa Samba Dieye
KEYWORDS:
Public Health, Emergency Preparedness Response
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: African countries regularly face public health emergencies, including epidemics and natural disasters. The implementation of emergency management programs through Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) is an essential mechanism for effectively addressing these threats. Method: The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) of Senegal coordinates preparedness and response to public health emergencies. It is attached to the Directorate General of Public Health. The HEOC is managed by a director. The HEOC is activated by the Minister of Health upon the proposal of the Director and after consultation with the Director General of Public Health. This retrospective descriptive study, covering the period from January 2023 to December 2025, analyzes the activities of the HEOC based on activity reports and situation reports (Sitrep) from the Incident Management System (IMS). The analysis of performance indicators for Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) has identified key strengths and weaknesses. Results: Between 2023 and 2025, the HEOC of Senegal carried out several emergency management activities, including risk assessments using the World Health Organization’s STAR tool, preparedness activities such as developing planning documents, training rapid response teams, simulation exercises, and pre-positioning equipment in the regions. Regarding the response, the implementation of the incident management system enabled a coordinated and integrated response to outbreaks of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Mpox, Rift Valley Fever (RVF), and dengue fever. Conclusion: These experiences illustrate the capabilities of the HEOC in preparing for and responding to health emergencies and underscore the importance of continuously strengthening the structure and promoting multisectoral training and an integrated approach to the prevention and control of health emergencies.