Building Momentum for EECC in Mauritania
A new chapter for Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) is beginning in Mauritania. Under the leadership of Dr Bouya Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed Lekhlifa, a group of committed health professionals has come together to form the country’s first EECC National Group, aiming to strengthen life-saving care across Mauritania’s hospitals and clinics.
Laying the Foundations
Dr Lekhlifa first introduced EECC to his colleagues by highlighting its two defining features — low-cost, high-impact care (often costing less than $14 per patient) and the ability to identify and treat critical illness quickly using simple, evidence-based actions. The discussion sparked immediate enthusiasm, and within weeks a small team of doctors, nurses, and technical supporters began shaping a plan for the country’s first EECC activities.
Mauritania faces considerable health challenges. Large distances, limited intensive-care capacity, and fragile infrastructure make timely emergency and critical care difficult to provide. The situation is even more acute in M’bera Refugee Camp, which now hosts more than 160,000 people — far beyond its original capacity of 70,000. For the Mauritania team, M’bera represents both an urgent need and an opportunity: a setting where simple EECC interventions such as monitoring vital signs, administering oxygen, and treating sepsis early could save countless lives.
Engaging National Leadership
Recognising that sustainable progress depends on government engagement, Dr Lekhlifa requested formal recognition from the Ministry of Health. Backed by an official letter of support from EECC Global, he met Minister Mohamed Mahmoud Ely Mahmoud on 9 October 2025.
During the meeting, the Minister expressed clear enthusiasm for the initiative and assured Dr Lekhlifa that he would assign an assistant to follow up. He also asked that full contact details be left with his office, signalling an open channel for further dialogue. The team’s formal request is to secure dedicated space — ideally within an emergency or intensive-care department — to begin training, research, and implementation of EECC’s 40 treatments and 66 hospital-readiness requirements.
Building a Team and Plan
While awaiting official confirmation, progress continues. The emerging Hub now includes five doctors, two nurses, one gynaecologist, two surgeons, and technical support staff, with more volunteers expected soon. Together, they are drafting an initial work plan, identifying training priorities, and exploring options for a small office and essential equipment such as mannequins and projectors for simulation training.
In the meantime, the group has begun reviewing EECC Global’s open-access resources — including the facility assessment tool and training materials — to prepare for the first assessments of local hospitals. Dr Ryan Ellis, EECC Global’s Director of Hubs & Champions, congratulated the team and encouraged them to begin early assessments with guidance from Mr Alhagie MM Baldeh, an experienced EECC Champion, while support for equipment may be sought through other partner networks.
Integrating EECC into Mauritania’s Health System
For Dr Lekhlifa and his colleagues, the vision extends well beyond respiratory or critical-care units. They aim to integrate EECC’s complete package — from airway management and oxygen therapy to vital-sign monitoring, fluid resuscitation, infection control, and sepsis management — across all hospital wards where critically ill patients receive care. By doing so, they hope to make timely, effective treatment the norm rather than the exception.
Despite challenges within the health system, including the lingering effects of the pandemic, optimism remains high. As Dr Lekhlifa put it, “We are not in a hurry. We are building a foundation for the long term.”
Mauritania’s new EECC Group joins a growing global network of national teams committed to ensuring that no patient dies for lack of simple, life-saving care.
👉 Learn more about EECC National Hubs and how to get involved.