President of Republic Receives Honorary Shield From WHO

On 6 April, in Nouakchott, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the President of the Republic, received an honorary shield from the World Health Organization (WHO), in recognition of the efforts made by him personally and by the Mauritanian government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was during an audience that the President of the Republic granted to Dr Ndiaye Faty Charlotte, the WHO resident representative to Mauritania, during which the latter handed the shield to the Head of State,, on behalf of the WHO Director General.

During the meeting, the President of the Republic appreciated the collective role played by the Mauritanian people to face the pandemic and the spirit of responsibility, perseverance, and commitment they showed during

such a period.

He also praised the efforts made by members of our communities abroad, the private sector, and the great sacrifices made by our medical staff as well as the professionalism, seriousness, and perseverance they have shown.

His Excellency also thanked our development partners and international bodies and organizations for supporting our country in its fight against the pandemic.

He added that those joint efforts had made our country’s action in the fight against the pandemic the object of international recognition and consideration.

In a statement after the meeting, Ms. Lila Pieters Yahya, the Coordinator of the United Nations System in Mauritania, said: “(…), we are delighted today to have had the opportunity

to meet His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and it was a great honor for me to accompany my colleague from WHO and hand over this aaward to His Excellency the President for his leadership and for all what he has done for the Mauritanian people. …”.

For her part,  Dr Ndiaye Faty Charlotte, the WHO Resident Representative, said that she had come, with the UN System Coordinator, to hand over an honorary distinction to His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

“This honorary distinction is given on the occasion of the celebration of World Health Day and because also, this year, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the creation of the WHO.

On this occasion, it was important to honor some personalities who had been able to mark public health but above all who had been able to work to improve the health of populations.

And among these champions, the Director General asked me to give the President of the Republic this honorary distinction and we are here for that. Thank you”.