On 16 September 2009, the Country Programme Framework (CPF) document of Mauritania was signed in Vienna by H.E. Dr. Cheickh El Moktar Ould Horma Ould Bebana, Minister of Health, and Ms Ana Maria Cetto, Deputy Director General, Head of the IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation. The document establishes a framework for both the Government of Mauritania and the IAEA to direct efforts to foster the application of nuclear science and technology to support national development goals.

This signed CPF document represents the frame of reference for the short-term and medium-term technical cooperation program between Mauritania and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the period 2009-2010. The CPF is aimed at focusing the cooperation and the resources available through the Government and the IAEA on key areas of development in Mauritania, which are of high priority to the Government and where the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology available through the Agency can make a significant contribution. The document results from a close and intensive consultation between the IAEA and the national competent authorities.

This CPF focuses on addressing the country needs and priorities in human health (radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and nutrition), establishing the national radiation protection infrastructure, crop production, livestock development and animal disease control, water resources management, and sustainable energy assessment.

Furthermore, assistance will be provided by the Agency to support human resources development and capacity building in various areas of nuclear applications, the improvement of nuclear security, and the introduction and use of the international nuclear information system (INIS) and the promotion of nuclear science and technology through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)