SENPHARMA 2024: Innovation and Challenges at the Heart of the International Pharmaceutical Trade Show in Dakar

The eleventh edition of SENPHARMA, the international trade show for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, took place from June 24 to 25 at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center (CICAD) in Dakar. Under the theme “Innovations and Sustainable Solutions for Health: Towards an Integrated and Inclusive Approach,” the event brought together more than 3,000 participants from all sectors of health, confirming its status as a key meeting point for professionals and stakeholders in the field.

SENPHARMA aims to be a privileged space for dialogue among academics, pharmacists, surgeons, students, NGOs, training schools, and both public and private decision-makers. Over two days, the trade show enabled participants to share experiences and expertise to improve patient care in Senegal and the sub-region.

Exhibitors from the pharmaceutical industry, laboratories, wholesalers, insurance companies, as well as suppliers of medical equipment and packaging, presented their innovations and solutions designed to modernize the sector.

The pressing issue of pharmaceutical sector regulation and access to quality care dominated the discussions. Several leading figures in the sector, including Professors Babacar Mbengue, Daouda Ndiaye, Mansour Gueye, Mamadou Fall, Adama Diédhiou, as well as Ministers Abdourahmane Diouf and Ibrahima Sy, spoke about the challenges related to drug distribution and professional training.

The president of the Pharmacists’ Order notably called on the Minister of Higher Education to review the criteria for awarding the pharmacy diploma, arguing that the pharmacist’s role should not be limited to the dispensary. The case of Touba, where 84% of the population relies on street medicines, was also highlighted as a major public health issue.

Among the exhibitors, PPM Laboratories stood out by showcasing their flagship products such as KEM, B VIT FORT, CARBOTOUX, KINAL CODEINE, KINAFON, GYNOMAX, PANOL, and RHINEX. The probiotic product KEM generated significant interest, especially from Professor Babacar Mbengue of UCAD, who requested an in-depth presentation on its benefits. Other professionals, including Dr. Mohammed from Malika and representatives from ENDESS, also recognized the product’s effectiveness.

The PPM stand attracted many pharmacists, students, and doctors, allowing the laboratory to strengthen its visibility and forge new professional connections. Information sessions on the intestinal microbiota and the importance of probiotics were organized for pharmacy students, illustrating PPM’s commitment to training and informing future sector professionals.

Participation in SENPHARMA allowed PPM to promote its products and explore new partnerships, particularly with student associations in medicine and pharmacy from Dakar and Thiès. Teachers from ENDESS also expressed interest in collaborating around the KEM probiotic.

SENPHARMA has established itself as a showcase for innovation and a space for reflection on current issues in the pharmaceutical sector in Senegal. For laboratories like PPM, the event represents a unique opportunity to meet new partners, monitor the competition, and strengthen their presence in the national and regional market.