A Senegalese Expert’s Journey from the CBRNe African Master’s to Strengthening National Safety Protocols

The upcoming EU CBRN CoE Newsletter will put the spotlight on Women in CBRN. Meet some of the inspiring professionals contributing to CBRN risk mitigation across the CoE network ahead of the release.

In 2023, the first-of-its-kind specialised CBRNe African Master’s programme achieved a milestone with the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of students at the International University of Rabat, Morocco. 21 trainees from six partner countries of the African Atlantic Façade region obtained their double degree, one form the Université de Haute Alsace,  recognized by France’s Conférence des Grandes Écoles and one by the Université Internationale of Rabat, after completing an intensive training programme addressed at key managers and operational personnel involved in the CBRNe field. The development and launch of the CBRNe Master’s program were strongly advocated by the African Atlantic Façade CBRN Regional Secretariat of the EU CBRN CoE Initiative as part of its strategy to establish a CBRN training center for the region. The Master was funded by the European Union.

Mathilde Cabral, a toxicologist in charge of the laboratory at Dakar’s Poison Control Centre, Senegal, was among these graduates. The CBRNe Master’s program profoundly impacted her career and her work in strengthening safety protocols in Senegal. Mathilde shared with us her experience of how the program shaped her professional journey, and how she applied her learning to safeguard public health in her home country. 

Transforming a Career: From Toxicologist to National CBRN Expert

For Mathilde Cabral, joining the CBRNe Master’s program was a transformative moment. Initially trained as a pharmacist and toxicologist, she was appointed as the focal point for CBRN-related health matters at Senegal’s Ministry of Health, a responsibility she took on spontaneously. While she had some knowledge of chemical risks, her exposure to radiological and nuclear threats was limited.

“The CBRN Master’s came at the right time,” Cabral shared. “I realized that I had significant knowledge gaps in areas like radiological and nuclear risks, and this program provided me with the tools to bridge those gaps.”

Through the program, Cabral gained a deep understanding of CBRN threats and their management, including risk assessments and crisis response, among others. More importantly, the program equipped her with practical skills to implement these strategies in real-world situations. “It wasn’t just about learning theory—I was learning how to apply these strategies in real-time scenarios,” she explained.

“It wasn’t just about learning theory—I was learning how to apply these strategies in real-time scenarios” 

A key highlight for Cabral was the multidisciplinary network she built with fellow professionals across sectors, such as health, industry, and civil protection. This collaboration would prove vital to her work upon returning to Senegal. “Before the program, I had limited interaction with other sectors. Now, I rely on this network for support in managing CBRN risks across various fields,” she said.

Applying the Knowledge: Simulation Exercises for Crisis Preparedness

Upon completing the CBRNe Master’s, Mathilde Cabral quickly put her knowledge to the test by organizing a simulation exercise at Dakar’s Poison Control Centre. The exercise, which involved a scenario of collective pesticide poisoning, was aimed at strengthening the Centre’s emergency response procedures.

The simulation highlighted areas for enhancement within the Centre, particularly in communication and coordination across its different units. Cabral noted, “The exercise allowed us to identify areas where we could strengthen our protocols and streamline our communication. By doing so, we ensured that we could respond more effectively to emergencies.”

One of the key lessons learned from the simulation was the importance of standardizing responses to toxicological emergencies. “We discovered the need to align our communication, ensuring that everyone—from junior staff to senior experts—was on the same page when responding to critical incidents,” she explained. These improvements have since been implemented to ensure a more unified and coordinated response to public health emergencies at the Centre.

Cabral’s efforts also laid the foundation for stronger collaboration with national emergency services, including the SAMU and fire brigades, further enhancing Senegal’s overall crisis preparedness. Her team is now planning more extensive simulation exercises, bringing in external agencies to test their response to larger-scale CBRN threats.

A Regional Impact: Strengthening Safety Across the African Atlantic Façade

While the CBRNe Master’s program has had a profound impact on Cabral’s career and her contributions to Senegal’s health and safety sector, the program’s benefits are being felt across the African Atlantic Façade. The program has trained experts from multiple countries across the region, helping to build a robust network of professionals capable of addressing CBRN risks.

What sets the program apart is its emphasis on tailoring international best practices to local African contexts. “We were encouraged to adapt the knowledge to our own capacities,” Cabral explained. “The program showed us how to develop strategies that align with our realities, not just replicate models from abroad.”

“The program showed us how to develop strategies that align with our realities, not just replicate models from abroad.”

Through this initiative, the African Atlantic Façade now has a growing cadre of professionals capable of advising governments and private sectors on how to manage CBRN risks, contributing to the region's overall safety and security.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Threats

Looking ahead, Mathilde Cabral is committed to further bolstering Senegal’s crisis management capabilities. Her team at the Poison Control Center has already conducted additional internal exercises to sharpen their response to emergencies, and plans are underway for joint simulations with the National Emergency Operations Centre to tackle larger CBRN threats.

For Cabral, the CBRN Master’s program laid the foundation for sustained progress. “These exercises and the knowledge we’ve gained are essential for protecting our citizens. We’re continuing to strengthen our capabilities so that we’re ready for any potential crisis,” she stated.

“These exercises and the knowledge we’ve gained are essential for protecting our citizens. We’re continuing to strengthen our capabilities so that we’re ready for any potential crisis” 

The success of the CBRN Master’s program highlights the critical role of targeted education and training in addressing the complex risks posed by CBRN threats. By empowering professionals like Mathilde Cabral to lead with confidence and expertise, the Master’s is contributing to ensure a safer future not only for the African Atlantic Façade region, but for the whole African continent.