EU-IOM Joint Initiative Supports “Strategic Diaspora Mobilization” during COVID-19 Outbreak in Mauritania

IOM, through the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration, launched the initiative “Strategic Diaspora Mobilization”, a new programme mobilizing Mauritania’s overseas medical talent that is crucial in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Consultation sessions with Mauritanian nationals living in France, Germany and Spain, as well as a dedicated platform, facilitate information-sharing. For example, IOM supported the return of a France-based Mauritanian respirologist. Dr. Boubou Camara was mobilized into a three month mission on a World Health Organization’s (WHO) programme to train Mauritannian health personnel on the use of specialized medical equipment, including respirators. Afterwards, Dr. Camara was offered a permanent contract by WHO to continue aiding Mauritania’s COVID-19 response.

To date, IOM has facilitated 20 missions of experts, including 15 health professionals playing a significant role against COVID-19, giving technical support to Mauritania’s Ministry of Health.

This Press Release was first published on the IOM website. Click here to read the full story.

To learn more about the EU-IOM Joint Initiative in the Sahel & Lake Chad, see Monthly Digest.