The National Secretariat to Fight AIDS (SENLS) in Mauritania, under the Prime Minister's office, has initiated a two-day training workshop for sectoral trainers. The event, held at the SUNSET Hotel, aims to equip trainers from various ministerial departments and national institutions with the necessary skills to combat HIV/AIDS effectively. The workshop, which started on September 29, 2026, brings together 24 participants from different sectors, including representatives from the Oulémas, transporters' federation, and professional associations.
According to Dr. Brahim El Kory, the National Executive Secretary, Mauritania has made significant progress in controlling HIV/AIDS, with a low prevalence rate of 0.13% among the general population. However, he noted that certain social categories have higher rates, necessitating targeted interventions and involvement from all stakeholders. The country's efforts are aligned with the National Strategic Plan (PSN) 2022-2027, which has a total budget of 1,683,996,348 MRU.
The workshop's agenda includes presentations on the care continuum, the situation of people living with HIV, and group work to develop sectoral Operational Action Plans (PAO). The program aims to enhance the participants' understanding of HIV/AIDS and their role in implementing effective response strategies. The training also covers the country's organizational framework for responding to HIV/AIDS, which is based on two pillars: the National AIDS Control Committee (CNLS) and the SENLS.
Mauritania has a robust legal framework to support its response to HIV/AIDS. The law guarantees confidentiality of test results, universal access to medical care and treatment, and prohibits discrimination against people living with HIV. The law also imposes penalties for spreading misinformation about treatments or prevention, including up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of 300,000 Ouguiyas.
The training workshop is part of Mauritania's efforts to strengthen its response to HIV/AIDS, particularly among key populations. The country's response is guided by the PSN 2022-2027, which outlines strategic objectives and interventions to control the epidemic. The SENLS is responsible for the operational implementation of the plan, in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The participants in the workshop represent various sectors, including ministries, institutions, and professional associations. They will receive training on the development of sectoral PAOs, which will enable them to implement effective response strategies in their respective areas. The workshop will conclude on September 30, 2026, with the issuance of participation certificates to the representatives of the different ministries and institutions.
The Mauritanian government's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS have been ongoing, with a focus on providing care and support to people living with the virus. The country's response has been guided by a commitment to protecting the rights of people living with HIV and promoting a comprehensive approach to addressing the epidemic. The training workshop is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- The workshop aims to equip sectoral trainers with the necessary skills to combat HIV/AIDS effectively in Mauritania.
- The country's HIV/AIDS response is guided by the National Strategic Plan (PSN) 2022-2027, with a total budget of 1,683,996,348 MRU.
- The law guarantees confidentiality of test results, universal access to medical care and treatment, and prohibits discrimination against people living with HIV.
