Qatar Charity began its interventions in Mauritania in the 1990s, through civil society organisations, as a contribution to the development efforts there. In 2007, QC opened an of ce in Nouakchott, the capital city, and implemented a number projects. focusing on: improving water and sanitation, health and education; income-generating activities; and construction, QC also implemented relief interventions by providing direct support to the refugees in eastern Mauritania, including the provision of drinkable water for the villages and rural communities affected by drought. Medical convoys were organised to provide medical care to needy patients in emergency situations in urban centres, villages and Bedouin gatherings in the desert.