Senegal Burn Training and Infrastructure Development Project

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), in collaboration with Dakar Cheikh Anta Diop University, one of the oldest higher education institutions in West Africa, has implemented the "Senegal Burn Training and Infrastructure Development Project" to strengthen the health infrastructure in the region.

As part of the program held between April 20-24, 2026, comprehensive training was provided to approximately 120 doctors and nurses working with burn cases throughout Senegal. Academics from UCAD Faculty of Medicine also participated in the program. The trainings were conducted by a team of experts from Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, with the aim of sharing Turkey's experience in this field.

The opening ceremony of the training was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Dakar, Dilşat Kırbaşlı Karaoğlu, and the university administration. During the ceremony, UCAD Rector Alioune Badara Kandji, deans, and university officials met with the Turkish delegation. In the meeting, mutual goodwill wishes were expressed to enhance health and academic cooperation between the two countries.

The health delegation included Başkent University Social Contribution Coordinator Prof. Dr. Suna Timur Ağıldere, Burn Institute Director, Head of the Department of Surgical Sciences and Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çağrı Uysal, Burn Unit Supervisor Prof. Dr. Ayşe Ebru Abalı and Research Assistant Dr. Berkay Oktar, who awarded certificates to successful participants after two days of theoretical and practical training within the scope of the project.

The second phase of the project is planned to be carried out in Turkey. In this context, a 10-member health delegation from Dakar will receive theoretical and practical training at burn treatment centers within Başkent University Hospital.

TİKA, with this project, not only provided knowledge and experience transfer but also laid the foundation for a long-term cooperation that will enhance the health capacity of Senegal and West Africa.