IMPACT OF THE SAHELIAN DROUGHT IN MAURITANIA, WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Data were needed for the planning of disaster relief in West Africa, which has been subject to a prolonged drought. A nationwide survey was undertaken to determine the nutritional status of the Mauritanians and the rates of important communicable diseases. The main findings were that: ( a) acute malnutrition was most severe among nomads; ( b) malnutrition was of the marasmic variety; ( c) severe vitamin deficiency was present in isolated pockets; ( d) measles was present in epidemic proportions; ( e) a cholera outbreak occurred and was controlled; and ( f) crude mortality-rates were as much as three times normal. The Government's remarkably effective food-distribution programme was modified as results of the survey became known. The cholera outbreak demonstrated the detection and response capability of the country's communicable-disease surveillance system. Vitamin supplementation was undertaken in areas with high rates of vitamin deficiency. Recommendations included intensified measles vaccination efforts and institution of periodic nutritional surveillance to facilitate appropriate food distribution.