Marked by the flooding of the Senegal River, which caused flooding in certain localities, the opening of classes also faces the presence of Rift Valley fever disease in the region.

In the Matam region, river flooding, which has submerged roads, fields, and homes, has led to the flooding of schools. According to the latest official figures dated October 2, four elementary schools in the municipalities of Nabadji, Oréfondé, and Dabia are flooded. In Sinthiou Diamdior and Diamel, where the advancing waters have forced residents to leave their compounds, the schools that have so far been spared are occupied by families of the victims.

"The education authorities, in conjunction with the Regional Flood Management Committee (CRGI), are working to free these schools," reassured the school inspector during the regional development committee meeting dedicated to the start of the school year held last week. He noted that "appropriate measures will be implemented to enable schools whose access would be impacted by the floods to function properly." This is a real challenge, given the ambition of effectively starting teaching and learning across the region.

"If there are any difficulties getting started, we will put in place a system to make up for the missed hours," reassured Mr. Guèye, the education authority.

Rift Valley fever epidemic

The start of the school year also takes place in the context of the presence of Rift Valley fever. Thanks to the sentinel surveillance network called Catest, a cured case of this disease, discovered in the Thilogne district, at the Agnam Civol health post, has been recorded in the Matam region.

According to the Regional Health Directorate, four suspected cases have been identified in the family circle of the first patient, a 5-year-old girl. Following the discovery of "four symptomatic contact cases, 300 similar cases found during the examination of the consultation register in seven health posts in the Agnam area," vigilance has been increased across the region, which has been placed under an "epidemic zone."

While awaiting the results of the analysis of the samples, preventive measures are being taken, including vector control (mosquitoes being a route of transmission of the disease), but also to avoid direct transmission, such as handling sick animals with maintenance, milking and butchering.

In the education sector, measures that include raising awareness about the virus and preventive measures, especially hand hygiene, will be implemented in schools. In schools, after the weeding and disinfection of classrooms already carried out by the hygiene department and the CHWs, cleaning will be stepped up. An education inspector announced that "in connection with community education and engagement activities to promote the adoption of safe behaviors, life lessons will be taught to students."