At P&T, Aminata Sarr explored the impact of pesticides on maternal-fetal health in Senegal.
Aminata Sarr, researcher at P&T (CHU Limoges).
Thesis defended in 2026 at the doctoral school École doctorale Ω-LIM-Biologie-Chimie-Santé (Limoges ; 2022-).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The study conducted by Aminata Sarr at the P&T laboratory highlights a crucial issue: the impact of pesticides on maternal-fetal health in Senegal. While agricultural intensification is often seen as a driver of economic and social development, it also leads to diffuse environmental contamination, the consequences of which on the health of mothers and newborns are still largely underestimated. Indeed, Senegal, like many countries in West Africa, has seen its dependence on pesticides increase with the rise of intensive agriculture, particularly in cotton, peanut, and fruit crops. The results of this research reveal co-exposure to several chemical families of pesticides, with harmful effects on fetal and neonatal development, raising concerns about public health in a context where health systems are already fragile.
The methodology adopted by Aminata Sarr, combining human biosurveillance and in vivo mechanistic validation, allows for the characterization of early exposure in newborns. The analysis of cord blood, meconium, and breast milk has highlighted pesticide residues, thus confirming maternal-fetal transfer. This transfer raises alarming questions about public health, particularly due to the immaturity of fetal detoxification systems, which make newborns particularly vulnerable to toxic effects. For example, previous studies have shown that pesticide residues such as glyphosate and organophosphates can impair neurological development in children, leading to learning disabilities and long-term behavioral problems.
The experimental results, obtained from a juvenile murine model, show a dose-dependent induction of oxidative stress in various tissues, with persistent systemic lesions. These observations underscore the need for reforming agricultural practices in Senegal, where pesticide use must be regulated to protect the health of populations. The implications of this research go beyond the academic framework: they call on policymakers and public health actors to act urgently. Indeed, current regulations on pesticide use in Senegal are often insufficient and poorly enforced, exacerbating the situation.
It is imperative to establish a mother-child cohort follow-up to better understand the long-term effects of pesticide exposure. This type of longitudinal study would allow for the collection of valuable data on the health of exposed children, thus facilitating the development of appropriate prevention strategies. The results of this study should serve as a basis for public policies aimed at reducing the use of harmful pesticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. For example, promoting organic farming and agroecological techniques could not only reduce exposure to pesticides but also improve soil health and biodiversity, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
In summary, Sarr's research is not limited to a mere scientific observation but calls for collective action to protect the health of future generations. Civil society actors, non-governmental organizations, and local communities must also be involved in this struggle. Raising awareness among farmers about the dangers of pesticides and training on less harmful alternatives are essential steps to change mindsets and practices. Ultimately, this is a major public health issue that requires a concerted and proactive response from all stakeholders involved.
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Sources and Access
Aminata Sarr. Pesticides et Santé materno-foetale au Sénégal-PMETox : du biomonitoring aux marqueurs de stress oxydant induit. Médecine humaine et pathologie. Université de Limoges; Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Dakar, Sénégal ; 1957-..), 2026. Français. ⟨NNT : 2026LIMO0008⟩. ⟨tel-05681222⟩