Great interest for the MARCAD program at the Centenary of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology (FMPO) of the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (UCAD)

Dakar, the capital of Senegal, was from 1 to 5th December 2018, the rallying point for scientists from Africa and around the world, on the occasion of the simultaneous celebration of the Centenary of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology (FMPO) of the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar (UCAD) and the "Homecoming-Delsi naniu_ Return of the old to the UCAD".

On this occasion, like the other institutions of the Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Parasitology-Mycology marked its presence by the presentation of its various achievements and program including MARCAD.

The Opening Ceremony was chaired by Senegal's Prime Minister Mahammed Dionne, in the presence of the Minister of Higher Education Mary Tew Niane and university authorities.

The Director of MARCAD Professor Oumar Gaye had the honor to present to the Prime Minister of Senegal, Mahammed Dionne the positive impact of the achievements of the Department of Parasitology in the fight against malaria in Senegal and soon throughout Africa with the Malaria Capacity Development in West and Central Africa (MARCAD), a program which t has a major role in the strengthening of the quality of research in the continent.

Prime Minister of Senegal, Mahammed Dionne was also privileged to discover the Keur Soce Center, an achievement of the Parasitology Department that benefits to all Senegalese, African and international researchers.

Keur Soce is a platform built in rural area in the Kaolack region, where malaria research programs (such as MARCAD) and other diseases research are being conducted.

In addition to the Senegalese authorities, other reputed UCAD graduates such as the Grand Chancellor of Côte d'Ivoire Henriette Dagri Diabaté and the Chair of the High Council of Local Authorities (HCCT), Ousmane Tanor Dieng also took part to the ceremony.

The Nigerian Minister of the Interior Mohamed Bazoum, the Senegalese Minister of environment Prof Mame Thierno Dieng, and other academics, former diplomats, businessmen and many students were also present at the event.

Exhibition was organized on the sidelines of the activities of the centenary. The visitors showed a great interest for the MARCAD program whose stand was always full. The exchanges with the public have been very rewarding. Visitors expressed their support for projects such as MARCAD and claimed that different projects driven by MARCAD fellows will have a definite impact on the elimination of malaria in the African continent.

The Centenary of the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology (FMPO) has served as a framework to urge authorities, policymakers and citizens to become more interested and supportive in the field of research.

"The African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education," is a perfect illustration of the excellent training provided in Dakar, "said the Prime Minister of Senegal Mr. Dionne.

A total of 55 of the 62 candidates from the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry of UCAD were received at the end of CAMES 'latest aggregation competition.