Mauritania
Terre des hommes has been active in Mauritania since 1984 and runs programmes promoting the health and protection of children and their families. In 2011, more than 37,000 people benefited from Tdh’s actions.
The context
Mauritania is affected by two major crises. On the one hand, the ongoing political crisis in neighbouring Mali is causing thousands of Touaregs to flee to Mauritania, a country with a very similar culture. Officially, 89,000 people are living in refugee camps, where promiscuity and insecurity pose the greatest risks for children. Because these camps are located in the conflict zones, they are difficult to access, and Caucasians are not permitted to enter, thus limiting the possibilities of humanitarian intervention.
Furthermore, the food crisis in the Sahel has not spared Mauritania. Marked by a significant lack of rain, 2011 ushered in a severe drought, affecting agriculture and livestock and exposing the population to food insecurity. The country is also vulnerable to the effects of the global financial crisis, and the price of staple goods continues to rise.
Despite efforts undertaken by the government, the results of health and social projects remain poor and insufficiently documented.
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-17.033644
20.93712
Nouadhibou
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-15.980015
18.094721
Nouakchott
Centered at -10.940835 21.789 5
Children’s situation
- Annual number of births : 117'000 (CH: 76'000)
- 34% of newborns are underweight
- Mortality rate of less than 5 years: 111/1000 (CH: 5)
- 44% of births are not registered
- 16% of the children work
Delegate: Enrique Medina
Expatriate staff: 1
National staff: 15
Budget: 633 442 CHF
In collaboration with: Ministry and Regional Department for Health and Social Welfare, National Cardiology Centre, Paediatric Service, Department for Children, Association of Female Heads of Households, Department of Judicial Protection for Children, Unit for Minors,Unicef
Health and nutrition
Tdh intervenes in Nouakchott to improve the health and nutrition of children and their mothers. Thanks to training from national healthcare workers, women and children receive help in preventing, diagnosing and treating illnesses, including malnutrition.
Protection of children working as domestics
Tdh fights the exploitation of young and teenage girls employed as domestic workers. In partnership with the Association of Female Heads of Households, these “servants” are identified, interviewed and assisted in reintegrating socially and professionally.
Support for implementing the national child protection strategy
Tdh supports the creation of communal systems tasked with ensuring the well-being of children and bringing together communities, public authorities and civil society.
Specialised medical care
Tdh offers specialised care to the most impoverished children when their condition requires it. If they cannot be treated where they live, the children are sent to Europe to be operated on there.
- 39 seriously ill children were able to be evacuated abroad for treatment. They received assistance when they returned to their families to ensure positive socio-educational reintegration.
- In the area of health and nutrition, the support for the healthcare facilities in El Mina enabled 20,322 young children to benefit from aid that included consultation services, vaccinations, growth charting and health education for mothers.
- The protection project assisted 3,937 vulnerable children who were in conflict with the law, victims of criminal offences or exploited by employers.
- A total of 822 workers from government services and from civic society were trained to implement a new national strategy for the protection of children. In the same context, 3,853 families participated in community discussions to raise awareness for children's rights.
