Nearly 179,000 children aged 6 to 59 months are suffering or expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between November 2025 and October 2026 in Mauritania. This includes over 42,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, which leaves children at an increased risk of death. Approximately 71,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also expected to suffer acute malnutrition during the same period.

During the current period (November 2025–February 2026), which is considered the pre-peak season for malnutrition and is sometimes marked by a slight decrease in acute malnutrition cases, 15 areas are classified in IPC acute malnutrition (AMN) Phase 4 (Critical) and 31 areas classified in IPC AMN Phase 3 (Serious). During the first projection period (March–May 2026), which coincides with a seasonal decline in acute malnutrition cases, the situation is expected to improve temporarily. However, during the second projection period (June–October 2026), corresponding to the peak period for acute malnutrition, a sharp deterioration of the nutritional situation is anticipated, with eight areas expected to shift from Phase 3 to Phase 4.

The spread of disease, displacement, limited access to water and sanitation, and reduced aid are fueling a rise in acute malnutrition. For both Moughataas (departments within the country's regions) and the refugee camp classified in Phase 3 or above, urgent action is required to prevent further deterioration of the nutritional situation.

• Immediately strengthen the coverage and quality of acute malnutrition treatment to urgently reduce the number of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women suffering from acute malnutrition.
• Establish a multisectoral and coordinated response providing sustainable basic social services to meet the fundamental needs of vulnerable populations and refugees.
• Increase nationwide coverage and quality of child disease prevention and treatment for illnesses such as malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea.
• Strengthen epidemiological surveillance to anticipate and respond rapidly to outbreaks that could worsen the nutritional situation of affected populations.
• Enhance promotion of optimal feeding pratices for infants and young children.
• Provide emergency food assistance to refugees and host households in border areas experiencing acute food insecurity.