Collaboration between the Canary Islands and Mauritania in health matters took a decisive step forward during the recent High Level Meeting between the two governments, held in Nouakchott. Coinciding with this institutional meeting, a delegation from the health sector of the archipelago developed a parallel agenda focused on identifying opportunities for cooperation and investment in the African country.
The mission included representatives from Hospitales Universitarios San Roque (HUSR), with an established track record in Mauritania, and the Canary Islands telemedicine company Diagnóstica. Accompanied by Dr Ahmed Teiss of the new Nouakchott Diabetes Clinic, they were received by the Mauritanian Minister of Health, Abdallahi Ould Wedih, and his management team.
During the meetings, a complete diagnosis of the Mauritanian health system was presented, highlighting the sectors with the greatest potential for joint development. A project within the framework of the Horizon Europe programme, focused on improving access to health in rural areas of the country, was also introduced.
The collaboration between the two regions was materialised in two key agreements:
- Agreement between the Globalsanihub consortium, represented by Roberto Carlos Rey (Diagnóstica), and the National Health Federation of Mauritania, to facilitate business implementation and coordinate joint actions in the field of health.
- Agreement between Yurena Rivero Trejo (HUSR) and Khaled Boye, director of the Medipole Polyclinic, which includes cooperation in vocational training, telemedicine and medical evacuations.
In addition, relations with the National Industrial and Mining Society (SNIM) were strengthened, expanding a collaboration initiated years ago with CNAM. New areas of work include:
Implementation of telemedicine services, with technological support from Diagnóstica.
🔹 Training programmes in partnership with the Fernando Pessoa Canarias University.
🔹 Sending of Canarian medical teams to SNIM hospitals in Zouerat.
🔹 Training stays in Las Palmas for Mauritanian health personnel.
🔹 Second medical opinion services and emergency evacuations.
The mutual interest was expressed by authorities such as Sidi Ahmed Aicha, director of Communication and Social Action of SNIM, and Mohamed Lemine Bahmed, head of the Health Portfolio of the company, who especially valued the experience as a patient in San Roque Hospitals.
As next steps, a SNIM delegation will visit Las Palmas in August to assess the feasibility of the project. In September, the Mauritanian Minister of Health will travel to the Canary Islands, where he will meet with the regional minister to learn first-hand about the island's health system.
These actions, promoted with the support of the Government of the Canary Islands, consolidate a regional strategy that is committed to the internationalisation of the Canary Islands' healthcare sector and the strengthening of ties with West Africa. Hospitales Universitarios San Roque, as part of the Globalsanihub consortium, is thus positioned as one of the main references in health cooperation in the region.
Source: PROEXCA