Choose to treat appeal for children in Mauritania opens 7 July

Water is scarce in Mauritania and people have little choice but to bathe, wash clothes, care for their animals, and cool off in the same pools. But the water that brings relief also carries schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that silently damages the kidneys, stunts growth, impairs learning, and steals futures.

Through our collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Amadou (pictured) received treatment, and he recovered. We want to make sure no child in Mauritania misses out on treatment.

But many children in Mauritania are not so fortunate. Without continued access to treatment, Amadou and thousands like him remain at risk every time they enter the water.

When people cannot avoid exposure, access to safe, effective treatment is their best protection. A single donation can help protect children like Amadou and give them the chance of a healthier future.

Your support will help deliver life-changing treatment to 600,000 children and adults across Mauritania.

Together with the Ministry of Health, we will provide safe, effective treatment for schistosomiasis to up to 400,000 school-aged children and 200,000 adults across 36 health districts where the disease remains widespread.

Teachers and community health workers will be trained to safely administer treatment, while community awareness campaigns will encourage people to take part and ensure those most at risk are reached.

“Living in the UK it’s easy to forget that millions of people in Africa fail to reach their potential due to easily preventable parasitic diseases. We can all make a difference as a small donation goes a long way.”
– Mike Brown, the Helen and Michael Brown Charitable Trust. Unlimit Health supporter.