Shixart1985 · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Source · License
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have reviewed the progress of global initiatives aimed at phasing out mercury-containing dental amalgam and discussed national implementation strategies to accelerate the global transition. This meeting is notable for its commitment to transforming oral health systems to protect human health and the environment, in line with the Minamata Convention’s decision to completely phase out dental amalgam by 2034.
From October 19 to 22, 2026, the ‘GEF-7 Dental Amalgam Reduction Project’ global closing meeting and African regional workshop were held in Dakar, Senegal, with over 75 health and environmental policy experts from Africa, Asia, and Latin America in attendance. Participants addressed ways to translate the commitments of the Minamata Convention into concrete national action plans.
Bridging the Gap Between Minamata Convention Goals and Global Implementation
This meeting served as an official progress review, held one year after the Sixth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, where the decision was made to fully phase out dental amalgam by 2034. Amalgam, which has been used as a dental filling material for over 175 years, contains approximately 50% elemental mercury by weight. During the placement or removal of amalgam, and throughout the disposal of related waste, there is a significant risk of mercury leaching into water systems and soil.
The WHO’s ‘Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030’ set a target for 90% of countries worldwide to reduce or completely phase out the use of dental amalgam by 2030. However, as of 2024, the global achievement rate is only 31%, with the WHO African region at just 13%, highlighting the urgent need for greater national efforts to meet these goals.
The Role of the GEF-7 Project and Pilot Country Frameworks
The GEF-7 project, a global initiative, was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by UNEP, executed by WHO, and supported by technical guidance from the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership. The project focused on supporting the reduction of amalgam use and the environmentally sound management of mercury-containing waste.
Three countries participated as pilots: Senegal, Thailand, and Uruguay. Senegal, as the sole pilot country in the African region, demonstrated the practical application of alternative materials and best practices in waste management.
Specific Outcomes and Waste Management in the Senegal Pilot
After conducting national surveys and needs assessments, Senegal strengthened cooperation between the health and environmental sectors and established best-practice guidelines. Training was provided to dental staff on mercury-free materials, minimally invasive treatment techniques, and amalgam substitutes.
Furthermore, to prevent dental wastewater from entering water systems, 13 amalgam separators were installed in dental clinics as part of the pilot project. Simultaneously, improvements were made to the collection, storage, and management procedures for mercury-containing waste, successfully reducing the risk of environmental contamination.
Regulatory Cooperation and Policy Legislation Among West African Nations
Leveraging the Specific International Programme (SIP) of the Minamata Convention, Senegal collaborated with neighboring countries Burkina Faso and Togo. The three nations jointly developed and technically validated national legal regulatory drafts for mercury and mercury-added products, including provisions for dental amalgam.
Codou Badiane Mané, Director of the Oral Health Division at the Senegalese Ministry of Health, stated that mercury-free oral health begins at the point of care, adding that enhancing professional capacity and ensuring the supply of appropriate alternatives would provide a sustainable foundation for healthcare services. Ludovic Bernaudat, Head of the Chemicals and Health Branch at UNEP, also noted that the experiences of the pilot countries prove that global commitments can be turned into tangible results.
Future Review Tasks for Accelerating the Global Transition
During the meeting, participants discussed regulations, amalgam alternatives, medical staff training, and waste management, alongside visits to medical facilities and waste management sites. In particular, West African countries are expected to derive priority national support tasks to accelerate the elimination of mercury within their health systems.
Following the conclusion of the pilot projects, the three lead countries plan to solidify their achievements and seek ways to share these experiences with other nations. The WHO and UNEP intend to support the strengthening of health systems in line with the 2034 total phase-out deadline. Benido Impouma, Director for Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, emphasized that the transition to mercury-free oral health will enhance prevention and improve the quality of care. Detailed information is available on the official website of the WHO Regional Office for Africa.