In a region where access to emergency medical training can mean the difference between life and death, the Monaco Red Cross has marked the successful completion of a multiyear project aimed at bolstering first aid capabilities across West Africa. The initiative, known as "Premiers Secours au Travail en Afrique de l'Ouest" - or "First Aid at Work in West Africa" - wrapped up in 2025 after three years of dedicated effort, leaving behind a legacy of enhanced local expertise and sustainable resources.
Launched in 2022, the project targeted four nations facing significant humanitarian challenges: Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. Its core mission was to equip communities with essential first aid skills, particularly in workplace settings, where injuries and medical emergencies are commonplace yet often inadequately addressed. By the program's end, more than 10,000 individuals had been trained as first aiders, empowering them to respond effectively in crises.
A key pillar of the effort involved building capacity among local trainers. The Monaco Red Cross, in collaboration with its partners, reinforced teams by training or recertifying 336 instructors and monitors. These professionals are now positioned to continue disseminating knowledge long after the project's formal conclusion. Additionally, the initiative developed adapted pedagogical tools designed for durability, ensuring that educational materials remain relevant and accessible in diverse cultural and logistical contexts.
This collective endeavor was supported by a coalition of committed entities, including the Princely Government of Monaco, the French Red Cross and the Monaco Red Cross itself. Their joint focus on prevention and the strengthening of local capacities underscores a broader commitment to humanitarian cooperation, prioritizing self-reliance over dependency in vulnerable regions.
As West Africa continues to navigate complex issues ranging from conflict to climate-related disasters, programs like this serve as a model for targeted, impactful aid. By investing in human skills and infrastructure, the Monaco Red Cross has not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered resilience for the future.
Photo credits: Croix-Rouge Monégasque