Despite having robust meteorological data, a lack of integration between the Senegalese meteorological service (ANACIM) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) hampered effective early warning systems for heatwaves, leading to a critical information gap that failed to mitigate adverse health impacts during extreme weather events.
The collaborative efforts of ANACIM, national health services and practitioners, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) resulted in the first Heat Wave Early Warning Bulletin, published in 2022, which included a color-coded map of heatwave-prone zones in Senegal, the specific health impacts of heatwaves, and prospective mitigation measures. The Bulletin acted as an early warning signal, enabling timely interventions across sectors and response partners like the National Red Cross Society. Health authorities capitalized on existing networks to send the bulletin to all districts and local organizations, who further amplified the information through their respective networks.