Health-Related Practices and Perceptions Among Waste Pickers: The Case of Mbeubeuss Waste Dump in Senegal

Master Dissertation – Master in Development Studies, Graduate Institute, Geneva 

Abstract

In the waste dump of Mbeubeuss in Senegal, waste pickers are informal workers who collect and sort materials for a living. This vulnerable population is exposed to various risks in terms of health, from diseases because of environmental pollution to injuries due to poor working conditions and the absence of protective equipment. This study analyzes the situation of waste pickers in Mbeubeuss and their perceptions about their health. The analysis also addresses the difficulties faced by waste pickers in accessing health care. Waste pickers in Mbeubeuss do not seem to be aware of the existence of collective health insurances, even if the financial cost of health care represents one of the major obstacles to them. In terms of risk awareness, waste pickers lack protective equipment but do not see the necessity of wearing one since health issues are not a priority to them in front of day-to-day economic concerns.