Empowering the Future: A Century of Excellence in Public Health

For the past century, IPD has led the way in public health, advancing research, diagnostics, and vaccine production to safeguard millions of lives across Africa. This centenary marks a significant milestone in IPD’s mission to enhance health security, build vaccine sovereignty, and empower the next generation of health leaders on the continent.

A Legacy of Impact and Innovation

Situated in the heart of West Africa, IPD has played a pivotal role in responding to public health challenges, from yellow fever outbreaks to emerging health threats like COVID-19. As a key member of the Pasteur Network, IPD collaborates globally to advance research, strengthen epidemic surveillance, and expand vaccine access. Over the past century, it has supported over 40 African countries and remains one of the few WHO-prequalified producers of yellow fever vaccines for global health agencies.

Centenary Celebrations and Future Vision

Under the theme “Empowering the Future: A Century of Excellence in Public Health”, IPD will host a Centennial Week from December 9 to 13, 2024, featuring a Scientific Symposium on pathogen research, a Health and Innovation Forum, the 3rd Annual Dakar Forum on Epidemics, and a Partners’ Forum. These events will celebrate IPD’s achievements while emphasizing its commitment to public health innovation, collaboration, and capacity building.

Training the Next Generation of Health Leaders

As part of its centenary legacy, IPD is committed to empowering the next generation of public health leaders through its student program, Centre for Africa’s Resilience to Epidemics, and KWAME initiative. By providing hands-on training and fostering local expertise, IPD equips young people with the skills needed to ensure that African countries are better prepared to address future health challenges, strengthen epidemic resilience, and advance vaccine sovereignty, thereby securing a healthier and more self-reliant future for the continent.

Dr. Amadou Sall, CEO of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, emphasised:

“As we celebrate a century of impactful work, I am deeply proud of what the Institut Pasteur de Dakar has achieved in collaboration with our partners. This centenary is not just a moment to reflect on our rich history but a renewed commitment to the future. We will continue championing vaccine sovereignty, supporting outbreak response across Africa, and investing in training the next generation of health leaders. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier, more resilient continent.”

We invite members of the media to join us during our Centennial Week to witness firsthand the transformative work being done to secure Africa’s health future.

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About IPD:

IPD works to accelerate equitable, sustainable and affordable access to health in Africa. As a Senegalese not-for-profit foundation recognized as being of public utility, IPD provides communities with healthcare solutions and laboratory services, engages in cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation, manufactures vaccines and diagnostics essential to African populations, develops human capital, and engages in public health activities such as epidemic intelligence, outbreak response, and surveillance. IPD is the only WHO-prequalified vaccine manufacturer in Africa.

For more information about the centenary, visit https://institutpasteurdakar.sn/centenary/, and to learn more about the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, visit www.InstitutPasteurDakar.sn and follow us on social media @PasteurDakar.

Contact Press: Marie Vianey AFANGBEDJI, Senior Communication Manager – IPD
Phone: +221 77 835 46 43
Email: MarieVianey.AFANGBEDJI@pasteur.sn ; communications-ipd@pasteur.sn