Mauritania faces drug market challenges amid efforts to restore public trust

Pharmaceutical Crisis Grips Mauritania

Patients Turn Abroad as Counterfeits and Shortages Plague Supply Chains

Widespread fears over counterfeit drugs, cross-border smuggling, and inadequate adherence to medical prescriptions are fueling a crisis of confidence in Mauritania’s pharmaceutical sector. This has led some patients to seek medications through relatives in neighboring countries like Morocco.

The burgeoning parallel drug market, combined with intermittent shortages and disrupted supply chains, has severely undermined trust in the system. "People have lost faith," one Mauritanian citizen said. "It's become a risky gamble going to pharmacies here."

Efforts Underway to Reassure Public

Despite the challenges, authorities are working to restore public confidence. “We are taking concrete steps to address these issues,” declared Dr. [Name], Minister of Health. “This includes strengthening regulatory oversight, cracking down on illicit drug networks, and improving supply chain management."

However, achieving a solution is proving complex. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that counterfeit medicines pose a serious threat to global health, particularly in regions with weak regulatory frameworks.