Cross-sectional study in Dakar (December 2021) among 301 adults (20–69 years) assessed ultra-processed food (UPF) intake using NOVA and quantified contributions to NCD-related critical nutrients. UPFs provided 17.4% of total energy, 43% of free sugars, 26.9% of total fat, 24.4% of sodium and 24% of potassium. Individuals in the highest UPF tercile consumed more total energy (~1,996 kcal), total fat, free sugars, potassium and protein than those in the lowest tercile. Greater UPF share was positively associated with exceeding recommended total fat intake (OR = 2.58; p = 0.002) and negatively associated with non-recommended intakes of potassium (OR = 0.01; p < 0.001) and protein (OR = 0.43; p = 0.009). Authors conclude UPFs substantially shape diet quality in urban Senegal and may be a major determinant of NCD incidence and prevalence.

Governance, Food security, Health, Santé publique

This paper assesses Senegal’s mpox epidemiological surveillance from 14 July to 10 November 2024. Using a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical design, it includes all cases sampled during the period. One hundred suspected cases were reported (~6 per million), all sampled, with zero confirmations. Alternative viral diagnoses were identified in 32% (mostly varicella-zoster) and 4 co-infections were recorded (12.5%). The median time from symptom onset to result availability was 7 days; the median consultation-to-result interval was 2 days, with longer delays in remote areas. Of 48 preparedness activities, 56.25% were completed and 10.42% were ongoing. System strengths included adaptation to the IDSR kit, multi-level staff training, surveillance procedures, focal points, a diversified reference-laboratory network, and electronic case notification (DHIS2/4S). The authors call for strengthened logistics and laboratory/response capacity in border and hard-to-reach regions to reduce delays and sustain readiness.

Governance, Health, Santé publique

The article “The Challenges of the Debate on the Decolonization of Global Health in Francophone Countries”, published in Santé Publique (Vol. 37, No. 1, 2025) by Valéry Ridde, Amandine Fillol, Fatoumata Hane, and Fati Kirakoya-Samadoulougou, examines the controversies surrounding decolonization within Francophone global health. The authors highlight the growing academic interest in this topic alongside persistent institutional resistance to questioning colonial power structures. They discuss epistemic injustices that marginalize non-Western knowledge and emphasize the need for reflexivity, relational responsibility, and cognitive justice. The editorial calls for transforming research practices, partnerships, and policies to authentically integrate Southern voices and knowledge systems, fostering more equitable and inclusive global health governance.

Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Health, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Colonization

The book The Financialization of Health in Senegal (1840–1960), written by Valéry Ridde and published in 2025 by Éditions Science et Bien Commun (Québec), explores the evolution of health financing under French colonial rule. Drawing on extensive archival sources, Ridde reveals that colonial health systems—often depicted as humanitarian progress—were in fact marked by deep inequalities and fiscal exploitation. The study traces the origins of health financialization through patient payments, private medical practice, and limited mutual aid schemes. The Indigenous Medical Assistance (AMI), ostensibly free, imposed taxes and fees that burdened African populations. By examining budgets, hospital structures, and policy reforms, the book exposes the ideological and bureaucratic mechanisms that shaped colonial health governance and laid the groundwork for modern health inequities in Senegal.

Politics, Political party, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Gold, Social, Health, Researh, water

This study assesses the Health and Social Development Program (PADSS2) implemented in Mali’s Mopti region to improve healthcare access for pregnant women and children amid increasing terrorist attacks. Using a controlled interrupted time series analysis (2016–2021), the authors compared intervention and control districts. Results show modest but positive effects: assisted deliveries increased by 1.5%, antenatal consultations by 1–2%, and under-five child visits also rose. However, intensified terrorist activity led to a sharp decline in child consultations (up to 40%). The program’s overall impact remained below expectations due to security challenges, governance constraints, and limited implementation capacity. The authors call for stronger collaboration between donors and researchers, and better integration of security dynamics in the design and evaluation of public health interventions in fragile contexts.

Gender, Security, Conflict, Education, Human security, Influence, Health, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Information

The article “Challenges to Girls’ Education: Menstrual Precarity in Schools,” published by WATHI, examines how difficulties in managing menstruation in school settings significantly hinder girls’ access to education. It highlights that many girls lack the means to purchase sanitary products or do not have access to adequate school sanitation facilities, resulting in absences during menstrual periods—thereby undermining their continuity in schooling and academic performance. The article also emphasizes cultural stigmas and taboos associated with menstruation that further exclude girls from participating fully in school life. To address these barriers, the article recommends implementing awareness programs, ensuring the provision of hygiene facilities in schools, and integrating menstrual issues into education and gender policies.

Gender, Poverty, Women, Health, Hygiène

The article provides a nuanced overview of Senegalese youth (ages 18–35): they are better educated than older generations (55 % have secondary or post-secondary education vs. 21–36 %) yet more likely to be unemployed (41 % actively seeking employment vs. 22–36 %) . Key barriers to employment include inadequate training (35 %), reluctance to take certain jobs (24 %), and mismatch between academic qualifications and market demands (16 %) . Nonetheless, 74 % aspire to start their own business, and 17 % prefer public sector jobs . Their top public policy priorities are rising cost of living, health, unemployment, insecurity, and water access . Despite challenges, 71 % believe the country is heading in the right direction, and 60 % have considered emigrating for economic reasons

Governance, Migration, Education, Youth, Health, EMPLOYMENT, Insécurité, Politique publique

The Multisectoral Surveillance Bulletin for the regions of Timbuktu and Taoudénni (No. 13, June-July 2025), published by Action Against Hunger, provides updates on security, agriculture, pastoralism, and nutrition. Security incidents rose by 84%, reflecting continued armed group pressure. Early flooding of the Niger River raised concerns in riverside communities, while farming activities advanced with expanded rice and millet areas. Pasture conditions were rated from fair to poor, and livestock body conditions remained weak despite improved water access. Global acute malnutrition reached 9,177 cases in Timbuktu (+10%) and 787 in Taoudénni (down from previous months), driven by seasonal food shortages and disease. Malaria cases declined by 34% in Timbuktu but rose by 12% in Taoudénni. The report recommends strengthening access to agricultural inputs, animal vaccination, health prevention measures, and food assistance to displaced households.

State, Pastoralism, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Family, Gold, Human security, Health, Fishing

The study “Integrating Mental Health into Crisis Contexts in the Sahel/West Africa” examines the effects of security and humanitarian crises on mental health in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights a high prevalence of psychosocial disorders—such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression—driven by armed violence, forced displacement, service breakdowns, and social isolation. Access to care remains limited due to a shortage of qualified personnel, lack of financial resources, and persistent stigma. The report calls for mainstreaming mental health into humanitarian responses and public policies, strengthening community-based support, and producing disaggregated data that is gender- and age-sensitive.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Gold, Social, Health, Violence, Threat, Crisis, Santé mentale