Mauritania Strengthens Mental Health Support with New Listening Space in Timbedra
In the Hodh El Chargui region of eastern Mauritania, a significant development has emerged in the realm of mental health services. A dedicated listening and psychosocial support space has been established at the health center in Timbedra, addressing a long-standing need for mental health support within the community. Launched in May 2025 with the backing of the World Health Organization (WHO), this initiative aims to provide a safe environment for individuals to discuss their emotional challenges.
Addressing Mental Health Gaps
Prior to the establishment of this listening space, mental health issues were inadequately addressed in Timbedra. The health center lacked specialized services, leaving individuals experiencing emotional distress or family conflicts without structured support. Both refugee and host populations faced significant challenges in a context where no dedicated mental health resources were available.
The initiative has created a framework for welcoming and listening to beneficiaries, facilitating the introduction of tailored practices in a confidential setting. This structured approach marks a pivotal shift in the provision of psychosocial services within the health center.
Training and Capacity Building
The creation of the listening space was accompanied by comprehensive training for health workers. Three staff members, including two midwives and the chief physician of the Moughataa, received specialized training organized with WHO’s support. This training focused on essential skills such as mental health care, psychological first aid, and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
These newly acquired skills have enabled the team to adapt their practices and provide more effective support to individuals seeking help. The impact of this training is evident in the positive changes observed by staff members, who now feel better equipped to assist those in need.
Early Impact and Community Engagement
One year after its launch, the initiative has already demonstrated its effectiveness. The listening space has facilitated 10 individual consultations, providing targeted support to individuals in distress. Additionally, it has enabled four family mediations, helping to alleviate tensions within households.
Awareness sessions have also been organized, each attracting around 15 participants. Furthermore, two complex cases were referred to specialized structures, indicating that the initiative is becoming an integral part of the health center’s operations and effectively addressing community needs.
Fatimetou, a midwife responsible for mental health and psychosocial activities at the center, noted the significant changes since the service’s introduction. She emphasized that the training has prepared staff to listen, understand, and support individuals more effectively, highlighting the tangible benefits of the initiative.
Perspectives from Local Leadership
Dr. Mohamed Lemine, the chief physician of Timbedra’s Moughataa, underscored the importance of this initiative in addressing local mental health needs. He stated that WHO’s support has filled a critical gap at the health center, marking a significant advancement in the provision of mental health services for both refugee and host populations.
The structured support provided by the listening space has proven beneficial, with one family mediation even preventing a divorce. This illustrates how organized support can help resolve delicate situations and promote harmony within families.
Broader Implications for Mental Health Care
Dr. Charlotte Faty Ndiaye, WHO’s Representative in Mauritania, contextualized this initiative within a larger framework aimed at strengthening the health system. She noted that the efforts in Hodh El Chargui demonstrate that mental health can be effectively integrated into primary health care, even in fragile contexts. This initiative lays a solid foundation for the future national strategy on mental health and addiction in Mauritania.
As individuals like Mariem, who have benefited from the listening space, share their experiences, it becomes clear that this initiative is making a meaningful difference. Mariem expressed her newfound sense of understanding and empowerment, stating that she is learning to navigate her emotions without fear.
According to publicly available www.zawya.com reporting, the establishment of this psychosocial support space is a crucial step toward enhancing mental health services in Mauritania, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, and fostering resilience within communities.
For the latest cybersecurity developments, threat intelligence and breaking updates from across the Middle East: Middle East
