Choose to Treat appeal secures treatment for 600,000 people in Mauritania

Unlimit Health’s Choose to Treat appeal has successfully raised the £100,000 needed to support life-changing schistosomiasis treatment for 600,000 people in Mauritania.

Held from 7 to 14 July 2026, the seven-day matched-funding appeal invited supporters to help fund treatment for this parasitic disease, which affects over 250 million people globally. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, nearly £47,000 was donated during the appeal. With matched funding from the Helen and Michael Brown Charitable Trust and another generous donor, the appeal raised a total of £93,487. Combined with Gift Aid* and additional resources from Unlimit Health, the £100,000 needed to deliver life-changing treatment has now been secured.

Working in partnership with Mauritania’s Ministry of Health, the funding will support the delivery of safe, effective treatment for 400,000 school-aged children and 200,000 adults across 36 health districts where schistosomiasis remains a public health problem.

The programme will also train teachers and community health workers to administer treatment safely, alongside community awareness activities to ensure those most at risk are reached.

Every donation made during the appeal will help protect children and communities from a disease that can stunt growth, impair learning and cause lifelong health problems.

Thank you to everyone who supported this appeal so generously. We look forward to building on our strong partnership with Mauritania’s Ministry of Health to create healthier futures for children, their families and communities across the country.

*Gift Aid is a UK government scheme that allows charities to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated by eligible UK taxpayers, increasing the value of donations at no extra cost to supporters.

“Without schistosomiasis control campaigns, there would be very serious consequences, especially for children. This represents a loss for the Mauritanian population and for future generations. We thank Unlimit Health for supporting Mauritania, especially in the most remote areas, among the poorest populations who cannot afford healthcare.”

Dr Barro Abbas (pictured right, next to Alice Young, Technical Advisor, Unlimit Health)

National Programme Coordinator for NTDs | Mauritania Ministry of Health

“We thank everyone who supported this appeal, and we look forward to building on our strong partnership with Mauritania’s Ministry of Health to create healthier futures for children, their families and communities across the country.”

Dominic Brain

Director of Communications and Fundraising | Unlimit Health