Senegal's partnership-driven heatwave bulletin

Senegal faces growing exposure to extreme heat events, which exacerbate heatstroke and cardiovascular illnesses. Despite robust meteorological data, limited coordination between the national meteorological service (ANACIM) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) had hindered effective early warning and response. To close this gap, ANACIM, the MoH, and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) jointly developed the country’s first Heatwave Early Warning Bulletin in 2022. The bulletin included a color-coded map of high-risk zones, detailed potential health impacts, and outlined mitigation measures. Feedback from experts at the University of Dakar and environmental organizations helped refine and improve its subsequent editions. 

The Heatwave Bulletin served as an actionable early warning tool, enabling coordinated, timely responses across national and local levels. Health authorities rapidly disseminated the bulletin through existing district and community networks, while partners such as the National Red Cross Society mobilised to support local interventions. The bulletin’s clear, accessible format - combining meteorological data with public health guidance - bridged critical information gaps and helped communities anticipate and reduce heat-related health risks. Its practical design and multi-sectoral ownership transformed it from a communication product into a key operational tool for climate-health preparedness