In Dakar, Le Korsa and Dr. Juliette Faye have established Keur Djiguene Yi — in Wolof, “a gathering place for women” — the first free and government-sanctioned women’s health center in Dakar. It is located near the terminus of one of Dakar’s major bus lines, making it easily accessible to both women in the urban center and those coming from the surrounding suburbs.

Dr. Faye, an OBGYN who trained at the University of Dakar, offers complete reproductive and gynecological care for women, including pre- and post-natal exams, as well as crucial education on contraception, family planning, HIV prevention, nutrition, infant immunization, and other issues central to women’s health. The clinic covers the cost of care and prescriptions for those women who cannot afford it, providing an essential service to an underserved population. Patients who can afford to pay for services do so, thus offsetting the costs for the majority of Dr. Faye’s patients, who earn little to no income. Without the center, most of these women would only be able to see a nurse or a midwife in a small health outpost, and likely do so only once throughout their pregnancy.

At Keur Djiguene Yi, for no cost, patients can have the four prenatal exams recommended for pregnant women by the World Health Organization, as well as a sonogram during each visit. Dr. Faye and her staff plan all appointments with their patients, and are available to answer any questions and respond to emergencies 24/7. Thanks to our partnership with NGO Go Doc Go, Dr. Faye also provides cervical cancer screening and lesion removal to patients.

In early 2017, due to patient demand, we added a part-time pediatrician to the staff of Keur Djiguene Yi. Mothers who were coming to the center often brought their children along, and sometimes those children needed care. It became apparent that everyone would be better served if there were a pediatrician at the center.

In 2019, we added a second OBGYN to the center’s staff. Dr. Fatoumata Diallo’s presence allows Dr. Faye to travel to villages or areas outside of Dakar, where she offers care to women who cannot come into the city.

Dr. Faye’s ultimate goal, which Le Korsa wholeheartedly supports, is to move to a larger space that could accommodate a full-time second female gynecologist, as well more exam rooms, a conference room, and a play area for children.