Rheumatic Diseases in Mauritania

In northwest Africa, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is the 27th largest country in the world, with economic opportunities for sustainable healthcare system development, particularly in rheumatology. However, many challenges need to be overcome in the short and long term, like the need for dedicated rheumatic disease infrastructure, qualified personnel, and the absence of a national approach to combating rheumatic diseases. The frequency of risk factors for rheumatic diseases is already high in the country and probably underestimated, predominantly obesity and physical inactivity. However, current data support the significant prevalence of rheumatic diseases in Mauritania. Spinal diseases, such as low back pain, and osteoarthritis, such as knee osteoarthritis, are common in the country. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis also exist, as well as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The management of rheumatic diseases remains suboptimal, leading to frequent encounters with advanced and disabling disease forms in daily practice.