Mauritania

Executive summary

Cuba's medical mission in Mauritania began in March 2017 under the Compensated Technical Assistance model, operating at Nouadhibou's CHSN hospital with fluctuating personnel—from 53 in 2017-2018 to a 2021 suspension, before resuming in December 2021 and reactivating fully in August 2024 following a new Cooperation Agreement, remaining active through 2026. Official brigade figures shift considerably year to year without independent verification, suggesting inconsistent reporting rather than transparent tracking. Documented labour violations include mandatory 24-hour shifts totaling 360 monthly hours, unpaid overtime, confiscated passports, forced attendance at "patriotic" celebrations, and salary retention of up to 80% by the Cuban state. Workers described being "indocumentada por más de un año," stripped of identity and voice. One physician died alone in a Paris airport bathroom after expulsion from the brigade.

Mission data

Research profile