Mauritania Strengthens Diphtheria Response in High-Risk Regions

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania — Mauritania is expanding measures to contain diphtheria, with health authorities and international partners reinforcing surveillance and treatment capacity in areas facing increased vulnerability.

The World Health Organization said support from the United Kingdom has enabled it to expand measures against the outbreak, including stronger epidemiological surveillance, improved case-management capacity and additional medical equipment.

Particular attention is being given to Hodh El-Gharbi and the Bassiknou area, near the border with Mali, where population movements and difficult living conditions can increase health risks.

A mobile health unit has been established at a major entry point in Bassiknou, allowing medical teams to screen suspected cases early, refer patients and provide health information to arriving communities.

Early detection is being treated as a key part of Mauritania’s strategy to limit transmission and protect vulnerable communities. The strengthened response also highlights the importance of cross-border disease surveillance as population movements continue across the Sahel.