The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene organized a data dissemination workshop on the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on Friday, September 26, 2025. The meeting was held at the Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

This occasion provided an opportunity to share the results of a national survey which reveals a worrying resurgence of these diseases in the Senegalese capital.

"We noticed that this prevalence has increased compared to the first survey. If we compare the results between 2015 and 2024, we see that the population of Dakar is much more sedentary. This means that the population is more exposed to risk factors linked to non-communicable diseases such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, that is to say a diet very rich in salt, sugar and fat but also the consumption of alcohol, tobacco among others," informs Dr. Seynabou Mbow.

Too much salt, too much sugar in dishes in Dakar, sports neglected

The head of the fight against non-communicable diseases to reveal the alarming figures.

"In terms of prevalence, sedentary lifestyles, that is, the lack of physical activity, reach more than 60% in Dakar. Salt consumption is estimated at 75%. High blood pressure affects 25% of Dakar residents. For diabetes, the national prevalence is 4.2%, but in Dakar it rises to 7.7%," she said.

According to Dr. Seynabou Mbow, the increase in these pathologies can be explained in particular by the addiction to smartphones, the low level of physical activity and an overconsumption of salt, sugar and fat.

A call to action

Excessive salt consumption is responsible for several non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.

This is why the official is urging the population to reduce their salt consumption and is calling on the media to play a key role in raising awareness.

She also urges food industry players to offer less salty products.

The Regional Director of Health in Dakar, Dr. Ndéye Maguette Ndiaye Ndom, recalled that this initiative is part of the implementation of the sectoral policy letter of the Ministry of Health and Social Action.

According to her, only a policy of promotion and prevention will make it possible to slow the progression of NCDs linked to the overconsumption of salt, sugar and fat.

She hopes that the action plan supported by the ministry will receive sufficient funding to reduce this major public health problem.