Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has emphasized the country's significant progress in education and healthcare. During a recent meeting with local officials in the Atar district, he revealed that just a few years ago, thousands of makeshift classrooms existed across the country. In one unnamed state, for example, there were 350 such classrooms. These structures, often mere shelters, were a far cry from ideal learning environments.
The President also drew attention to the country's healthcare infrastructure, which has seen substantial upgrades. In 2019, Mauritania had only 38 intensive care beds, a number that has since risen to 148. Additionally, the country has increased its fleet of ambulances from 70 to 280, with plans to add 100 more by 2026, bringing the total to 380. These improvements aim to enhance the quality of healthcare services nationwide.
President Ghazouani noted that the education sector was also plagued by overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure. In the capital, Nouakchott, the average number of students per primary school class was around 120 just a few years ago. The situation was likely even more challenging in other cities. To address these issues, the government has invested in building new classrooms and improving existing facilities.
Since 2019, the government has constructed approximately 6,000 new classrooms, with plans to add another 3,000 by 2026. This brings the total number of new classrooms to around 9,000. Furthermore, the President highlighted the establishment of specialized schools and institutes, as well as improvements to university infrastructure.
In the healthcare sector, the government has implemented a program to establish regional hospitals in various states, as well as district hospitals and health centers. The healthcare system has also been bolstered by the introduction of new medical equipment and personnel. The President emphasized that these efforts have significantly strengthened the country's healthcare system.
Another key development mentioned by President Ghazouani was the expansion of emergency medical services to more states. The recruitment of thousands of doctors, nurses, and midwives has also contributed to the sector's growth. Notably, 2026 saw the largest recruitment drive in the sector's history, with over 1,200 medical and paramedical staff joining the workforce.
President Ghazouani's remarks underscore the Mauritanian government's commitment to improving the country's education and healthcare systems. The progress made in these areas is a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by the country's population. The government's continued investment in infrastructure and personnel is expected to have a lasting impact on the country's development.
Key points
- President Ghazouani reports significant improvements in Mauritania's education and healthcare sectors.
- The country has increased its number of classrooms and healthcare facilities, and recruited thousands of medical staff.
- Mauritania aims to further enhance its healthcare services with additional ambulances and medical personnel.
