Solve pollution. Save lives. Protect the planet.

Country Summary

In 2008, Senegal had a severe case of lead intoxication in the suburbs of Dakar (Thiaroye Ngagne DIAW). This intoxication had consequences for human life losses and required significant financial resources to clean the area. It is in this context that the collaboration between the Senegal and Blacksmith Institute, now Pure Earth, was formed. The contaminated site was cleared and impacted populations were sensitized on the health issues caused by and trained on other livelihood activities such as processing of cereal products as a way to earn their living.  In Senegal, Pure Earth works with the Ministry of the Environment and the Poison Control Center to identify and assess contaminated sites.

A handful of sites in Senegal were assessed following this success. Funding from USAID beginning in February of 2016 re-invigorated the program in the country and 61 sites thus far been assessed (as of November 2018).  In addition, the funding will be used to undergo country-wide Health and Pollution Action Planning (HPAP). The HPAP process, currently in the planning stages in Senegal, convenes relevant government officials at all levels from across agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to systematically review pollution issues and potential solutions at the country level with the aim of achieving government commitment to develop and execute pollution mitigation and control strategies.


Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health-Senegal Summary

Pollution is responsible for 19.9% of deaths in Senegal. Learn more about how pollution affects health and the economy in Senegal by reading the Senegal Summary Report, based on the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health.

Country and Project Reports

Project Pages

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TSIP Trainings

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Read more about our work in Senegal in The Pollution Blog:

In The News

Vogt, Heidi. “Lead Poisoning Kills Children in a Senegalese Town. New York Times. Jan 4, 2009.