Dakar - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Agence Nationale de la Couverture Maladie Universelle (ANACMU) have formally signed a framework cooperation agreement to strengthen healthcare provision for returning migrants in Senegal. The signing ceremony, attended by Dr. Poonam DHAVAN, Director of the IOM's Migration and Health Division based in Geneva, marks a significant step towards ensuring holistic support for migrants returning to Senegal. 
 
This collaboration follows IOM's active participation in the Fourth WHO Global School on Refugee and Migrant Health, livestreamed from Dakar from 27 November to 1 December 2023. The Global School, organized by WHO's Department of Health and Migration, gathered UN agencies, governments, researchers, NGOs, and civil society to share experiences and knowledge on migrant health, addressing key sub-themes such as health literacy, working conditions, housing, living conditions, and food and nutrition. 
 
Moreover, this collaboration aligns with the broader regional context of health and migration initiatives in West and Central Africa (WCA). IOM recognizes the unique challenges faced by migrants in the region and is committed to working with partners to address these issues comprehensively. In Senegal and other WCA countries, IOM and its collaborators focus on developing and implementing initiatives that cater to the diverse health needs of migrants, promoting access to essential healthcare services IOM projects supported Ministries of Health in Guinea, Senegal, and Niger in enhancing health access to vulnerable migrants working in mining fields. A cross border health project covering Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin, and Togo led to the strengthening human mobility and border health in collaboration with MOH, Ministries of Interior, immigration, and communities. 
 
The collaboration between IOM and ANACMU aims to enhance cooperation in various areas of common interest, particularly in providing access to health coverage for returning migrants. ANACMU commits to participating in IOM-organized listening and speaking sessions, facilitating migrants in understanding the enrolment process for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 
 
During his speech, Dr. Bocar Mamadou DAFF, Director General of the National Agency for Universal Health Coverage, expressed his satisfaction with this collaboration. “The inclusion of migrants in legal frameworks and the promotion of their health throughout the migration process are crucial elements to guarantee their rights to access health services”, he said.  

Dr. Ousmane DIALLO NTIECHE underscored the importance of this collaboration for migrant health and praised the commitment of the Senegalese government to universal health coverage. "ANACMU has signed a partnership agreement with IOM, expanding cooperation to include a healthcare component. As part of this initiative, 117 returning migrants are currently being enrolled in Dakar, with plans for expansion to other regions," he reiterated. 
 
The agreement also includes consultations on national strategies within IOM's areas of expertise, joint studies, and continuous collaboration to achieve common health goals for migrants. This ceremony signifies a meaningful milestone in the joint efforts of IOM and ANACMU to ensure comprehensive healthcare for returning migrants in Senegal. Both organizations look forward to the success of this agreement guiding their current and future interventions. 
 
In Senegal and 15 other countries, IOM and its partners assist returning migrants in developing comprehensive reintegration plans, addressing economic, social, and psychosocial needs. In 2023 alone, 584 returning migrants (511 men and 73 women) benefited from this innovative and holistic approach in Senegal. 
 
This support is made possible through the Migration Protection, Return, and Reintegration Program for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), funded by the European Union.

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For more information, please contact :
For IOM: Dr. Ousmane Diallo Ntieche, Field Coordinator nodiallo@iom.in  

Marceline Faye: Partnership Officer, mfaye@iom.int  
 
For ANACMU: Amadou Ly, Legal Affairs Officer at ANACMU