Salinity and Hypertension in the Sine-Saloum Delta: A Policy Analysis of Drinking Water and Public Health in Coastal Senegal

Coastal communities in Senegal's Sine-Saloum Delta face a significant public health challenge: saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, which is linked to higher hypertension prevalence. Research reveals a consistent association between high sodium levels in drinking water and increased hypertension rates, yet current policies fail to integrate this environmental factor effectively. A mixed-methods analysis—combining epidemiological data with policy reviews—exposed critical gaps where water resource management lacks public health objectives, while health strategies overlook environmental determinants like salinity. The study underscores the need for intersectoral collaboration, proposing integrated solutions such as community-based interventions for rainwater harvesting and dietary education to reduce sodium intake. This work highlights the urgent necessity of addressing environmental health risks in vulnerable coastal regions through coordinated policy action.

Diagne, A. (2013). Salinity and Hypertension in the Sine-Saloum Delta: A Policy Analysis of Drinking Water and Public Health in Coastal Senegal. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.18529972