Mauritania's Sole Psychiatric Hospital Overwhelmed: 20 Beds for 5 Million People-news

Mauritania's Sole Psychiatric Hospital Overwhelmed: 20 Beds for 5 Million People

2025-01-04

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Mauritania's Sole Psychiatric Hospital Overwhelmed: 20 Beds for 5 Million People

In the Nouakchott Centre for Specialised Medicine, the only psychiatric hospital in Mauritania, Africa, the harsh reality of inadequate mental health resources is stark. With a population of 5 million people, the hospital's 20 beds are woefully insufficient, resulting in patients being discharged after just a few days due to scarcity of beds and staff. The walls of the hospital, including the area above 22-year-old Sidi's bed, are tagged with graffiti, a testament to the frustration and desperation that pervades the facility. Mental health care in Mauritania is in crisis, with many patients facing long waits for treatment and limited access to specialised care. The hospital's struggles highlight the need for increased investment in mental health services, including psychiatric care and mental health treatment, to address the growing demand for support. As the sole psychiatric hospital in the country, it is imperative that the government and healthcare providers work together to improve mental health resources and provide adequate care for those in need. ...Read more

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