Biogaran donates oncology drugs to the Senegalese Cancer League

 On May 17, 2021, in Paris, Biogaran signed a new strong act in favor of access to quality treatments for all by announcing a donation of oncological drugs to the Senegalese Cancer League (LISCA).This announcement was made in the presence of HE Mr. Macky SALL, President of the Republic of Senegal.

Cancer, a public health priority

According to data provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Action of the Republic of Senegal, cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the country with a death rate among patients with cancer of about 70% [1]. In the country, breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common [2].

The latter have been established as a “public health priority” by Mr. Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, Minister of Health and Social Action, in October 2020 [3]. Strong measures were taken in favor of prevention and screening of cervical and breast cancerous lesions, which should be able to decrease by half their occurrence. Furthermore, the Minister also put in place a free chemoterapy policy for breast and cervical cancers in 2019 and a diminution of 60% of the cost of other cancer treatments [4].

Take part in the fight against cancer

Biogaran wanted to contribute to the national effort to fight against all kinds of cancers by donating drugs that could treat different types of cancers.

The donation, which was annouced on May 17th 2021, was made official on July 7th 2021 during an event that took place at the Résidence de France in Dakar, Senegal, under the High patronage of HE Macky SALL, in the presence of the Minister of Health and Social Action of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, represented by Dr. Malick Hann, Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division within the Ministry of Health and Social Action, of the Ambassador for France in Senegal, HE Philippe Lalliot, represented by Mr. Régis Dantaux, Cooperation and Cultural Action Advisor, of Biogaran team, of the Senegalese League against Cancer (LISCA) and of several oncologists and physicians.

The donation, which was worth near 800 000 euros, consisted of 1500 boxes of oncology drugs (Gefitinib, Everolimus, Pegfilgrastim) that are not currently marketed by the pharmaceutical company in Senegal.

“This donation shows our will and ambition to contribute to the national effort regarding cancer prevention and screening, which was initiated by the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal. The three drugs that Biogaran donated to the Senegalese League against Cancer are treatments for bronchial cancer, breast cancer and febrile neutropenia in patients treated with chemotherapy. These treatments enhance the lifetime of patients as well as their life quality. I would like to congratulate the Senegalese League Against Cancer for the remarkable work done with patients suffering from cancer” declared Mr. Emmanuel Le Doeuff, Head of International Operations of the Generics Division of Servier Group.

Biogaran in Senegal

Biogaran launched its operations in Senegal in February 2020 with a large range of medicines covering seven therapeutic areas.

Outside of its pharmaceutical activities in the country, Biogaran works towards promoting patients’ health and therapeutic education in Senegal. The pharmaceutical company worked with local charities and organizations such as A.I.D.E Ngohé which provides inhabitants of the area with assistance on different topics : health, education,…

To know more about our portfolio in Senegal, please click here

Sources :

[1] Source – Lisca & TV5 Monde : https://information.tv5monde.com/terriennes/octobre-rose-au-senegal-depistage-et-prise-en-charge-des-cancers-du-sein-380004

[2] Source – France 24 : https://www.france24.com/fr/20191009-senegal-chimiotherapie-gratuite-cancer-sein-col-uterus

[3] Source – Ministère de la Santé et de l’Action sociale (rapporté par Santé Tropicale) :

http://www.santetropicale.com/sites_pays/actus.asp?id=28488&action=lire&rep=senegal

[4] Source – Ministère de la Santé et de l’Action sociale & France 24 : https://www.sante.gouv.sn/Actualites/cancers-du-sein-et-du-col-del%E2%80%99ut%C3%A9rus-la-gratuit%C3%A9-de-la-chimioth%C3%A9rapie-vue-comme-un-%E2%80%98

https://www.france24.com/fr/20191009-senegal-chimiotherapie-gratuite-cancer-sein-col-uterus