Health Sector Support Programme (PASS)

The EU’s support is aligned with the Mauritanian government’s health priorities. The Health Sector Support Programme (PASS), through its successive phases, is a flagship initiative in the sector. It aims to strengthen the implementation of the National Health Policy and its National Health Development Plan (PNDS), with the overarching goal of improving universal and equitable access to quality health services and care.

The PASS is implemented through a grant awarded to the Ministry of Health (UC-PASS) and through Institutional Support in partnership with Enabel (AI-PASS). The program works simultaneously on the supply of healthcare (construction of health centers, provision of equipment), access to quality essential medicines and medical supplies, governance of the sector (support to the Ministry and the CNASS in planning, human and financial resource management, strategy programming and monitoring, coordination, information systems, etc.), and the consolidation of a universal health system.

Since 2017, significant progress has been made in governance, including the establishment of standards for health facilities, the training of health personnel in financial management, the strengthening of human resources at all levels, improved access to medicines, and medical supplies through support to the central pharmaceutical procurement agency (CAMEC), and assistance in validating the national pharmaceutical policy. In parallel, the rehabilitation, construction and equipment of health centres and posts have contributed to improving healthcare service delivery.

To ensure that everyone can access the health services they need –wherever and whenever they need them– without facing financial hardship, the EU has supported Mauritania in establishing and consolidating a universal health coverage system. A major milestone was the creation of the Caisse Nationale de Solidarité en Santé (CNASS) in 2022. This initiative of the Mauritanian State, supported by the PASS, primarily benefits workers in the informal sector — representing 70% of the active population — and their families, who previously had no access to health insurance, thereby enabling them to access quality healthcare services at an affordable price. The CNASS is present in a few regions but aims to be established throughout the entire country.

To build a more efficient and responsive health system, the EU is also supporting the digitalisation of the sector. This includes better sharing of health information and strengthened management of human resources, patient data, and medicines. Mauritania, with the support of PASS et D4D Hub, has developed a national strategy and action plan for the digitalisation of the health sector, contributing to improving the quality of healthcare services.

Union européenne/Michele Cattani/2025

PASS project is implemented by: Ministry of Health and the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel)

See also this video showcasing the EU’s support to the health sector, with the CNASS as a key example.