Touba is the second-largest city in Senegal and serves as the spiritual capital of the Mouride Brotherhood. Touba is known for its religious significance, rapid urbanization, and unique governance structure, which operates independently from the national government in many aspects.
Healthcare Infrastructure
Healthcare services in Touba are a mix of public, private, and faith-based facilities. The city’s main hospital, Hôpital Matlaboul Fawzaini, plays a crucial role in providing medical services to the population. However, the high patient influx, especially during religious gatherings, places pressure on available resources. Other healthcare facilities include smaller clinics, pharmacies, and traditional healers who continue to be a trusted source of medical care for many residents.
Key Healthcare Challenges
- Overburdened Healthcare Facilities – With a growing population and influx of pilgrims, hospitals and clinics often face shortages of medical supplies, personnel, and equipment.
- Sanitation and Water Access – Inadequate waste management and water supply pose risks of communicable diseases.
- Maternal and Child Health – High birth rates and limited access to specialized maternity care contribute to maternal and neonatal health concerns.
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – Like other urban areas in Senegal, Touba is experiencing a rise in hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Limited Emergency Services – Ambulance and trauma care services are not fully equipped to handle large crowds during events like the Grand Magal.
Opportunities for Improvement
- Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure – Expanding hospitals, building specialized units, and increasing the number of healthcare workers can strengthen the system.
- Public Health Campaigns – Raising awareness about sanitation, vaccinations, and chronic disease management can improve overall health outcomes.
- Strengthening Digital Health – Implementing electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine services can bridge gaps in healthcare access.
- Partnerships with NGOs and International Agencies – Collaborations can help bring in funding, medical expertise, and resources to boost healthcare delivery.
Recent Health Developments in Touba, Senegal
- Inauguration of Touba Institut Pasteur: On March 6, 2025, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar inaugurated the Touba Institut Pasteur, a state-of-the-art medical biology and public health laboratory.
- Health MeasuresDuring the 2024 Grand Magal Pilgrimage: In anticipation of the Grand Magal pilgrimage on August 23, 2024, Senegalese authorities implemented extensive health measures to prevent the spread of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)
- Flood Response Initiatives: In October 2024, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided essential equipment to assist residents affected by severe flooding in Touba.
- Funding Efforts for Water and Sanitation Improvements: As of August 2023, Touba’s authorities sought €262 million to enhance the city’s drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.
- Delivery of a 300-bed Hospital: In September 2021, Ellipse Projects completed a 300-bed hospital in Touba, described as one of the most modern in Africa for its capacity.
- Absence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Among Pilgrims :A study published in October 2024 investigated the presence of intestinal parasites among pilgrims attending the Grand Magal de Touba.
LIST OF MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS
| Sr. No | INSTITUTION | PROGRAMMES | TYPE |
| 1 | Université Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba | · Medicine
· Dentistry · Biomedical Science · Nursing · OB/GYN · Paediatrics, Psychiatry · Other Medical & Health Studies |
Private |
LIST OF HOSPITALS
| PUBLIC HOSPITALS | |
| Sr. No | HOSPITAL |
| 1 | Touba Regional Hospital- 300 Beds |
| 2 | Hospital Matlaboul Fawzaïni |
| 3 | General and Specialties University Hospital of Touba |
| 4 | Hospital Center National Sheikh Ahmadoul Khadim |
| 5 | Hôpital De Ndamatou |
| 6 | Hospital Center National Matlaboul Fawzeyni |
| 7 | Health Center Serigne Mbacké Bousso Touba |
| 8 | Centre Hospitalier Touba Ndamatou |
| PRIVATE HOSPITALS | |
| Sr. No | HOSPITAL |
| 1 | Clinique Xaadim |
| 2 | Hospital Ndiaye |
| 3 | Clinique Tawfeex de Touba |
DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE
- Laboratoire Médical Touba Institut Pasteur
- Health Center Serigne Mbacké Madina Darou Khoudoss
CONCLUSION
Touba’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, yet it also presents opportunities for improvement through strategic investments and policy interventions. Strengthening the city’s healthcare infrastructure will not only benefit residents but also ensure the well-being of the millions of pilgrims who visit annually.
As a healthcare consultancy company, we recognize the opportunities and challenges within Touba’s healthcare system. While progress is evident in hospital expansions and improved diagnostics, there remains a need for enhanced medical training, digital health solutions, and streamlined healthcare delivery models. Our expertise in hospital audits, digital health implementation, and healthcare infrastructure development enables us to support healthcare providers in bridging these gaps.We are committed to working alongside hospitals, policymakers, and investors to create sustainable, high-qualityhealthcare solutions in Touba and beyond. By fostering innovation, improving patient experience, and ensuring operational excellence, we aim to contribute to a stronger, more efficient healthcare ecosystem in Senegal.
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