Sport and health in Senegal: a prevention seminar sponsored by PPM Laboratories

On 31 January 2026, the Oussouye prefecture in Senegal hosted a major seminar on “Sport and Health”. Initiated by the regional committee of the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, in cooperation with the Oussouye departmental sports service, the event brought together sports officials, coaches, medical staff and athletes to discuss health issues, injury prevention and good practice in sport. The seminar was sponsored by PPM Laboratories, which used the occasion to present two flagship products, B Vit Fort and KEM probiotics, and to reaffirm its commitment to the sports community.

“We have made this initiative part of a broader strategy,” explained a representative of the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine, recalling that a first session had already been held in Bignona before choosing Oussouye to raise awareness among athletes from various disciplines about health risks. Speakers stressed the need for a medical check‑up before any sporting activity, describing it as a safety guarantee against adverse events, particularly the sudden deaths recorded in recent years on the field.

More than 90% of sudden deaths during sport are thought to be linked to cardiac conditions that athletes themselves are often unaware of, the doctors present reminded participants. Hence, they argued, the importance of generalizing medical check‑ups, including an electrocardiogram and specialist consultation, to ensure athletes are fit to play, regardless of level. The risks faced by people with undiagnosed heart disease were extensively detailed, along with protocols to make sports practice safer.

Founded in 1976, the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine has stepped up its regional activities over the past two decades, pursuing a dual objective of awareness‑raising and training. “Our aim is both to train our members and athletes, and to explain the dangers as well as the benefits of sport,” a representative summed up, emphasizing that the focus is on monitoring athletes before, during and after exercise.

Discussions also highlighted persistent obstacles, in particular the high cost of medical tests, which many clubs view as prohibitive. Lacking resources, some are unable to monitor all their licensed players and restrict check‑ups to seniors and juniors, leaving younger children to compete without medical clearance despite taking part in championships. At the institutional level, speakers called for a stronger legal framework to give the Association more capacity to operate across state structures.

As a partner of the seminar, PPM Laboratories welcomed “a very good initiative” and stressed the need to support athletes “not only in the cities, but everywhere in the country.” “Today, they have travelled from Ziguinchor to Oussouye; in the coming days, they will go to other areas to reach and support athletes,” a representative said, underlining the quality of the partnership with the Association. By sponsoring the event and promoting concrete health solutions for athletes, PPM Laboratories intends to remain a long‑term ally of the Senegalese sports community.