Présentation

SPRINT-Sen is a research programme dedicated to studying the impacts of extreme temperatures on maternal and child health in the Matam region of Senegal. Located in the north-east of the country, this region experiences temperatures that can exceed 45°C, with increasing health, environmental and economic consequences. In this context of limited resources, the most vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women and their young children, bear the brunt of the effects of climate change.

This project aims to understand and document

The effects of extreme heat on the physical and mental health of populations
Co-construct preventive interventions with communities and health professionals to limit their impacts

projet MOPGA

SPRINT-Sen, the result of international collaboration between several research organizations

Spanning the period from 2024 to 2027, this project is funded by the Medical Research Foundation (FRM) for the physical health component, the National Research Agency (ANR), and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) for mental health actions through the ‘Health and Climate Change’ programme.

Center for Population and Development (CEPED/IRD)

Institute of Health and Development (ISED/UCAD)

Research Centre for the Organisation and Diffusion of Geographical Information (PRODIG/IRD)

University of Sine Saloum Elhadj Ibrahima Niass (USSEIN)

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)

A participatory approach involving local communities

SPRINT-Sen adopts an interventional population health research (RISP) approach, based on the active participation of populations in the co-construction of interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of high temperatures. Particular attention is paid to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), as the Matam region has one of the lowest rates in Senegal (<34%), despite the importance of this practice in reducing malnutrition and neonatal mortality.

projet MOPGA

An interest in under-documented research topics

In four targeted localities in the Matam region, two urban areas (Soubalo and Ainoumady), two rural areas (Gaol and Ngeyenne Taiba), several studies and interventions are underway.

Qualitative studies gathering the experiences of communities and healthcare professionals in hot weather conditions
- Study on the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in hot weather conditions.
- Study on household adaptation strategies
- Study on healthcare professionals' strategies
Quantitative studies
- Study on the impact of extreme temperatures on the mental health of healthcare professionals
- Geo-climatic study with the implementation of a temperature monitoring system in households (indoors) to anticipate heat waves
An intervention component
- Co-construction of an intervention with communities and healthcare professionals to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates in the region.