The MAScIR Foundation, part of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, won the prestigious Galien Africa 2024 award on Friday in Dakar, in the category of Best Medical Technology.
The Galien Africa 2024 award was presented by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to Professor Hassan Sefrioui, Director and member of the MAScIR executive committee, during the closing ceremony of the 7th edition of the Galien Africa Forum, held from October 22 to 25 in the Senegalese capital.
In a statement to MAP, Professor Sefrioui expressed his pride in this recognition, which honors years of excellence and innovation in R&D developed at MAScIR, particularly in the field of diagnosing prevalent diseases in Africa. Professor Sefrioui, who is also a member of the World Health Organization's Technical and Advisory Group for Diagnostics, described the award as the result of a long-term effort that began in 2010 at the MAScIR medical biotechnology center, with the aim of establishing an innovative technological platform for developing "Made in Morocco" diagnostic kits for various diseases.
He highlighted the achievement of the team in developing several diagnostic kits, including those for leukemia, breast cancer, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. These kits have been distributed in Morocco, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Rwanda, in collaboration with Africa CDC (Center for Disease Control) of the African Union.
Professor Sefrioui also announced that in September 2024, the Mpox virus diagnostic kit developed by UM6P-MAScIR was validated by the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and registered in Morocco by the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy.
The MAScIR Foundation focuses on promoting and developing research and technological hubs in materials and nanomaterials, biotechnology, microelectronics, and life sciences. Its actions are centered on applied research and innovation to meet market needs.
The Galien Africa Forum, which held its 7th session in Dakar under the theme "Health and Community Actions in Response to Climate and Environmental Crises in Africa," aims to strengthen research and sustainable development through the sharing of experiences in addressing major public health issues.
This edition brought together participants from around the world, including Nobel laureates, political leaders, and researchers. The event served as a platform for high-level scientific exchanges on topics of shared interest, the health priorities of the African continent, and the examination of challenges and future prospects in this field.
In addition to the MAScIR Foundation, the Cyber Rwanda project by the YLabs collective was recognized for the best digital solution.
The Galien Africa Award honors innovations and significant advancements in the field of discoveries and therapies, rewarding researchers, institutions, and pharmaceutical industries, whether public or private.
