Lead Pollution in Senegal: from HPAP to Research and Community Engagement

On February 15, 2024, GAHP hosted a webinar on Lead Pollution and Health Impacts in Senegal to share insights from the recent Blood Lead Level (BLL) Study conducted in the country from 2021-2022.

The webinar aimed to disseminate crucial findings and further the collective understanding of the issue. This work is a legacy of the GAHP Health and Pollution Action Plan, launched in Senegal in 2020. Recognizing the urgent need to address environmental pollution and its dire health impacts, the Senegalese government has been actively fighting against the effects of pollution on the health system. The plan was designed to help the Government of Senegal develop and implement solutions to pollution-related health problems and had identified three priority risk areas to address:

1. Air pollution (including indoor and outdoor)

2. Pesticide pollution

3. Heavy metals pollution including lead and mercury

Among its priorities, the plan highlights the critical issue of lead contamination, a lingering threat to our communities, especially affecting the health and future of our children.

Served as a platform to share pivotal findings from the recent BLL Study, discuss the ongoing efforts and challenges in addressing lead pollution, and highlight the collaborative efforts of government bodies, CSOs, and communities in combating lead pollution. With presentations and insights from renowned experts like Dr Jack Caravanos, representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Health in Senegal, and leaders of CSOs, the webinar called attention to lead pollution issues in Senegal. It emphasized the need for greater funding and collaboration to mitigate its effect.

The BLL Study covered three neighbourhoods (Sangalkam, Thiaroye Sur Mer, and Diamalaye 2 of Mbeubeuss). As part of the study, GAHP analyzed the blood of 131 children (56% girls and 44% boys) and conducted a home environmental assessment to search for potential lead sources to determine exposure pathways. As a follow-up to the BLL study, the Senegal Poison Control Center (CAP) required further technical assistance on methodology and settings to improve the BLL results accuracy of blood lead testing using the GFAAS and a lead care kit for easier and faster testing. The training on practical application of lead analysis using the GFAAS was held from December 18-20 and the leadcare kits were provided earlier this year. CAP currently owns a lead care kit package and is trained on conducting accurate BLL testing.

Despite much work yet to be done, the collaborative efforts in Senegal serve as a testament to the impactful strides that can be achieved when communities, organizations, and governments unite against the detrimental effects of pollution.