In a bid to tackle the pressing issue of child malnutrition, the Mauritanian Association for the Promotion of Human Rights (AMPDH) and World Vision Mauritania organized a mega-concert in Riyadh on September 21, 2026. The event, held at the Espace Jeunes in Riyadh, marked the beginning of a series of concerts planned across different regions of Nouakchott to promote the "ASSEZ" campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of food security and nutrition for children.
The concert highlighted the significance of breastfeeding in combating malnutrition in Mauritania, where one in four children suffers from chronic malnutrition and nearly half of the regions have malnutrition rates exceeding emergency thresholds. The event featured artists and animators who used music, theater, and advocacy to convey the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. This practice is considered one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to prevent undernutrition.
The "ASSEZ" campaign, launched on September 14, 2026, employs various channels to reach a wide audience, including door-to-door sensitization, family discussions, and involvement of religious leaders. The campaign's organizers aim to make nutrition a priority for policymakers, communities, and families. The Riyadh concert marked a significant milestone in this effort, with more events planned in the capital's moughataas to sustain momentum.
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of the campaign, as it provides a natural source of nutrition that can reduce neonatal mortality by 22%. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months, which can also protect against diarrhea, respiratory infections, and other diseases that are prevalent in Mauritania. Additionally, breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for mothers, including reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage and certain types of cancer.
Despite the importance of breastfeeding, Mauritanian women face several challenges in practicing exclusive breastfeeding, including lack of information, social pressure, and inadequate support from families and healthcare structures. The AMPDH and World Vision aim to address these issues through their Caravan for Nutrition and Advocacy, which has been engaging with families and mothers in Riyadh, Dar El Beida, and Dar Naim.
The concert in Riyadh drew a large audience comprising young people, mothers, community leaders, and civil society actors. The event provided a platform for artists and advocates to raise awareness about the critical issue of child malnutrition and promote positive change. By leveraging music and other forms of creative expression, the organizers hope to inspire a new wave of support for breastfeeding and nutrition initiatives in Mauritania.
The AMPDH and World Vision plan to continue their advocacy efforts through additional concerts and community engagements. By working together with local stakeholders and leveraging the power of music and advocacy, they aim to create a lasting impact and improve the nutritional well-being of children in Mauritania. Key to this effort is promoting exclusive breastfeeding and addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition.
Key points
- The concert in Riyadh marked the beginning of a series of events aimed at promoting the "ASSEZ" campaign and raising awareness about child malnutrition in Mauritania.
- Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of the campaign, as it provides a natural source of nutrition that can reduce neonatal mortality and protect against various diseases.
- The AMPDH and World Vision plan to continue their advocacy efforts through additional concerts and community engagements to promote positive change and improve child nutrition in Mauritania.
