Biometric IDs Bring Healthcare to Undocumented Patients in Mauritania's Sahara
HumanCoop has partnered with Identy.io to bring biometric identification to undocumented patients in northern Mauritania. The new system will use facial and fingerprint recognition to create reliable medical records for those without official documents. Over the past three years, the organisation has treated 12,450 people in the remote Tiris Zemmour region, where diseases like malaria and malnutrition remain widespread.
The initiative targets a long-standing challenge: more than 350,000 people across North Africa and the Middle East lack formal identification. Without proof of identity, many struggle to access consistent healthcare. Identy.io's technology will allow workers to register patients using smartphone cameras, capturing facial and fingerprint data securely.
The system operates offline, a critical feature for remote Sahara locations with limited connectivity. Credentials are stored locally on devices, reducing cyber risks while protecting patient privacy. HumanCoop expects this approach to cut duplicate registrations and enable longitudinal medical tracking. A pilot phase will launch in Bir Mogrein, where HumanCoop's medical missions serve around 2,500 people per visit. After testing, the programme will expand to other areas, with training provided for local staff. The partnership also aligns with Identy.io's broader goal of using biometrics to support underserved communities. HumanCoop's missions in Tiris Zemmour have focused on treating malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrhoeal diseases—conditions worsened by the harsh desert climate and poverty. By linking patients to their records, the organisation aims to improve care continuity and build trust in the healthcare system.
The biometric system will first roll out in Bir Mogrein before extending to other regions. It promises to streamline patient identification and reduce gaps in medical histories. For thousands in northern Mauritania, this could mean better access to treatment and long-term health monitoring.
