Strengthening Health and Social Systems for Every Child Niger’s Public Health Minister and Partners
From April 14 to 17, 2025, Niger’s Minister of Public Health, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, led a key supervision and evaluation mission to Tillabéri — reaffirming the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of every citizen.
Home to over 4.4 million people—16% of Niger’s population—Tilabéri faces significant health coverage challenges, with access rates hovering around 55%. Despite the presence of 284 integrated health centers, only 274 are fully functional across this vast region of 97,251 square kilometers, serving a population density of 46 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The mission began in the Gothèye department, where the minister met local health teams working on the frontlines. “We are here to see what works and also identify challenges so we can find concrete and sustainable solutions,” said Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi. In Say, he visited the district hospital and a health center before moving to Tillabéri town to inspect facilities such as the district hospital, a Mother and Child Health Center, and a warehouse built with support from UNICEF and GAVI.
Despite insecurity forcing some health centers to close, health workers remain determined. They navigate rivers and rough roads by boats, vehicles, and motorcycles to reach isolated communities. Between 2023 and 2024, mobile clinics brought healthcare to more than 40,000 people living in humanitarian areas.
. “When we witness the sacrifices made for the population, we have no choice but to applaud and support the actions undertaken on the ground,” said Ms. Djanabou Mahondé, UNICEF Representative in Niger, accompanying the mission along alongside WHO and UNFPA representatives. During the mission, the minister also engaged with a child protection committee in Sakaoira, which has worked against domestic violence and early marriages. These efforts have reached over 73,000 people and saved more than 230 girls from early marriage. The minister expressed gratitude to traditional leaders for promoting social stability and cohesion, emphasizing their commitment to addressing these issues.
On April 17, 2025, the minister launched a national measles vaccination campaign from Tillabéri, aiming to immunize more than 5 million children. “The health of our children is a collective responsibility. By mobilizing together, we can control and eliminate measles,” he stated.
The mission concluded with a strategic meeting uniting health officials, technical and financial partners, and ministry representatives. The minister emphasized efficient equipment management, workforce resilience, and stronger collaboration, stating:: “The resilience and commitment demonstrated by our health workers are the backbone of our public health initiatives. Let us continue working hand in hand to build a stronger, more equitable health system.”
This collaborative approach, supported by UNICEF and donors such as BMZ, the Netherlands, Spain, the European Union, and GAVI, underlines a shared commitment: To ensure that no child is left behind, no matter where they live.
