As a result of the political crisis in Mali a year ago, more than 55,000 refugees have been displaced from their homes and are now living in the Mbera camp in Mauritania. Recently, the nonprofit medical care provider Doctors Without Borders assessed the situation of these refugees and found extremely high rates of mortality and malnutrition.

1. By Charles Ptak, DDS

2. Malnutrition and Mortality in
Mauritania
As a result of the political crisis in Mali a year
ago, more than 55,000 refugees have been displaced
from their homes and are now living in the Mbera
camp in Mauritania. Recently, the nonprofit medical
care provider Doctors Without Borders assessed the
situation of these refugees and found extremely high
rates of mortality and malnutrition.

3. Malnutrition and Mortality in
Mauritania
The nonprofit determined that many children under
the age of 5 are extremely susceptible to illness due to a
lack of vaccination. The camp desperately needs a
vaccination campaign to protect all children between
the ages of 6 months and 15 years.

4. Malnutrition and Mortality in
Mauritania
Malnutrition is in part caused by the fact that the food
available to the camp’s refugees does not suit their
cultural habits. As a result, many mothers will sell
their rations in order to buy a smaller amount of milk
or meat to feed their families. Typically, this is not
enough to keep the families in good health.

5. Malnutrition and Mortality in
Mauritania
In response to these problems, Doctors Without
Borders has launched nutrition and health care
initiatives at the camp. The organization also is
working to identify the most vulnerable children and
set up a surgical unit.

6. About the Author
Brooklyn, New York-based dental implantologist and
oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Charles Ptak has
been a fervent supporter of Doctors Without Borders
medical philantropy,humanatarian and non-political
world peace promoting efforts since 1995.