The MAScIR Foundation, affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Galien Africa Award for best medical technology. The accolade was presented in Dakar by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to Professor Hassan Sefrioui, director and executive committee member of MAScIR, during the closing ceremony of the 7th Galien Africa Forum, held from October 22 to 25 in Senegal’s capital.
This award as the culmination of efforts launched in 2010 at MAScIR’s medical biotechnology center. The center’s mission is to create an innovative platform to develop diagnostic kits “Made in Morocco” for various diseases.
Achievements in diagnostics for Africa
The team successed in developing diagnostic kits for diseases like leukemia, breast cancer, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. These kits have been distributed across Morocco, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Rwanda in partnership with the African Union’s Africa CDC. Most recently, in September 2024, MAScIR’s Mpox virus diagnostic kit was validated by the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and officially registered with Morocco’s Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy.
MAScIR’s mission and scope
The MAScIR Foundation focuses on promoting technological research in materials and nanomaterials, biotechnology, microelectronics, and life sciences. Its work centers on applied research and innovation tailored to market needs, advancing Africa’s scientific and technological capacity.
7th Galien Africa Forum: a platform for global health dialogue
Held under the theme “Health and community responses to climate and environmental crises in Africa,” the Galien Africa Forum brought together Nobel laureates, political leaders, and researchers from around the world. The event served as a high-level scientific exchange on public health priorities for the African continent, examining pressing challenges and future opportunities. Alongside MAScIR, YLabs’ Cyber Rwanda project received recognition for best digital solution.
The Galien Africa Award celebrates transformative innovations and breakthroughs in research and treatment, honoring scientists, institutions, and pharmaceutical industries, whether public or private, for their contributions to medical advancements and therapeutic discoveries.
