Thiès Region: The Gamous health battle launched in Tivaouane

The health coverage plan for the various religious festivals (Gamous) in the Thiès region is entering its active phase. The official launch of activities took place this Tuesday in Tivaouane, presided over by the Deputy Governor of Thiès, Ababacar Sadikh Niang. This operation mobilizes health and hygiene services, as well as local authorities, to prevent health risks before, during, and after the religious gatherings.

During the various Regional Development Committees (CRDs) dedicated to the preparations for the Gamous, health and hygiene were among the main concerns expressed by religious families. It was within this context that the administrative authorities decided to strengthen prevention and health coverage, in collaboration with the Regional Hygiene Brigade and the Regional Health Directorate.

“The first part consists of an awareness campaign involving the entire community,” explained Ababacar Sadikh Niang. According to the Deputy Governor, all relevant services are mobilized to ensure adequate healthcare coverage for the population and pilgrims throughout all stages of the Gamou.

He also invited the people of Tivaouane to play their part in health monitoring, in particular by alerting the authorities about the possible presence of products unfit for consumption in the markets.

204 agents mobilized for prevention

For Captain Armand Seck, head of the Thiès Regional Hygiene Brigade, health coverage is based on two essential components: the medical aspect and the one devoted to prevention.

“Health coverage encompasses both medical and preventative aspects,” he reminded everyone. Under the coordination of the Regional Health Directorate, the teams responsible for health coverage began their preventative activities in Tivaouane this Tuesday.

The goal is to reduce the risk of disease and protect the health of the local population and the many pilgrims expected in the various affected areas. According to the hygiene official, this preventative measure should also facilitate the intervention of medical teams during the Gamous festival.

For this campaign, the Regional Hygiene Service mobilized 204 agents, 100 of whom were provided by the Tivaouane municipality. Of these, 50 agents will participate in the disinfection of strategic sites, while the other 50 will be deployed in the field to raise public awareness. Specialized equipment and 12 vehicles have also been mobilized to support the operations.

Food safety under surveillance

Beyond disinfection and awareness campaigns, authorities are announcing stricter controls on food products. According to Captain Armand Seck, the Hygiene Police will be reinforced to crack down on vendors who fail to comply with health regulations.

Captain Seck cited a recent case to illustrate the vigilance of the services. "The Hygiene Brigade of Tivaouane intercepted a truck transporting expired drinks that were intended to be put on the market," he noted.

In response to these practices, he urges the public to exercise caution and vigilance. Hygiene services intend to increase inspections to prevent food poisoning and other health risks that could disrupt the Gamous celebrations.

With the region's major religious events just weeks away, authorities are focusing on prevention. Awareness campaigns, disinfection, food safety checks, and the mobilization of medical teams are the main components of a plan designed to guarantee better health and safety for pilgrims and local residents.