Rapid Response Halts Diphtheria Outbreak in Mauritania Refugee Camp
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A swift and coordinated public health intervention successfully contained a diphtheria outbreak at the Mberra refugee camp in Mauritania, averting a potential crisis and demonstrating the power of preparedness in fragile humanitarian settings.
Early this year, health workers at Mberra camp raised the alarm after observing a surge in patients presenting with symptoms indicative of a dangerous infectious disease. Sore throats, low-grade fever, and swollen glands prompted immediate investigation, ultimately confirming the presence of diphtheria.
A Vulnerable population
The Mberra camp,home to over 58,000 refugees primarily from Mali,faces significant challenges including overcrowding,limited access to clean water and sanitation,and high population density and limited healthcare resources,officials recognized the potential for rapid transmission and severe consequences.
Immediate Action Prevents widespread Crisis
Mauritania’s ministry of Health, with crucial support from the World Health Institution (WHO) and other humanitarian organizations, acted decisively. Within 72 hours of laboratory confirmation of the outbreak,a extensive response plan was initiated. This rapid mobilization proved critical in preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.
Between July and September 2024, at least ten cases of diphtheria were recorded within the Mberra camp, tragically including two fatalities. A concerning pattern emerged: eight of the cases were among children, with six of those children being under the age of five – and all were unvaccinated. This underscored the vulnerability of the camp’s youngest residents and the urgent need for increased vaccination coverage.
vaccination Campaign and Resource Deployment
in response to the outbreak, a large-scale vaccination campaign was launched, reaching over a thousand individuals, including nearly 70 healthcare professionals.This proactive measure aimed to build immunity within the community and protect frontline workers.
Beyond vaccination, over two tonnes of essential medical supplies were delivered to the camp. This included vital antitoxins and antibiotics for treatment, and also personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants to prevent further spread.The WHO deployed technical experts to assist with case investigation, contact tracing, and coordination with local and national health teams.
Empowering Community health Workers
A key component of the successful response was the rapid training of community health workers.these individuals, often the first point of contact for residents, were equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify symptoms, isolate cases, and educate families on preventative measures.
“Before the training, many of us had never seen a case of diphtheria,” shared a community health volunteer.”Now we know what to look for, and how to respond.” This newfound expertise proved invaluable in early detection and containment.
Risk Interaction and Community Engagement
A targeted risk communication campaign utilized multiple channels – including megaphones, posters, and local radio broadcasts in various languages – to build trust, disseminate information, and encourage prompt reporting of symptoms. This multifaceted approach ensured that critical messages reached all segments of the community.
Thanks to this swift, coordinated effort, the outbreak was contained within weeks. Importantly, no further deaths were reported, and all confirmed cases remained isolated to the initial cluster.
A Model for Humanitarian Response
“This was a textbook example of what rapid mobilization and partnership can achieve,” stated Dr.Charlotte Faty Ndiaye, WHO Representative in Mauritania. “In a fragile setting like Mberra, early action saved lives.”
The experience at Mberra camp highlights the critical importance of preparedness,effective coordination,and robust community engagement in humanitarian contexts. The collaborative efforts of the WHO, Mauritania’s Ministry of Health, and partner organizations transformed a potential health catastrophe into a presentation of public health equity in action.
Continuing these efforts, awareness-raising campaigns have been ongoing, encouraging vaccination, particularly against diphtheria. Between July 2024 and May 2025, over 2300 newly arrived individuals at Mberra camp received vaccinations, further strengthening the community’s defenses against this preventable disease.
