Mental health care remains scarce in Mauritania

Mauritania’s mental health system is severely underdeveloped, with the country’s only psychiatric ward, housed at the Nouakchott Centre for Specialised Medicine, offering just 20 beds for a population of five million, according to a report in AFP. Patients like 22-year-old Sidi, admitted after psychotic episodes triggered by personal setbacks and drug use, are expected to stay only a few days due to limited resources.

Cultural norms mean families play a central role in patient care, often accompanying loved ones to the hospital and even restraining them in cases of violence. Many patients first seek help from traditional healers before turning to medical professionals.

The centre’s psychiatrist, Mohamed Lemine Abeidi, explained to AFP the need for more infrastructure, training, and staff. Despite these challenges, psychiatric care has evolved since the 1970s when pioneering doctor Dia Al Housseynou introduced mental health services using desert tents. Yet, progress remains insufficient, leaving families and doctors struggling to meet the needs of patients.