We are adapting triage and infection prevention control measures in our activities in Magaria, where we run a 450-bed paediatric hospital that is particularly busy during the seasonal peak for malaria and malnutrition. We have also established isolation capacity in Magaria as well in the lower levels of the health system where we help run outpatient activities.  

In the capital Niamey, MSF has built a 50-to-100 bed treatment centre close to the Hôpital National Lamordé which will manage moderate COVID-19 patients. We are supporting the emergency medical service call centre (24/7, and the response teams in five communes of the city, as well as providing psychological support.

There is also a team monitoring uncomplicated COVID-19 patients at home, while more serious cases are referred to hospital.

Niger’s economy is concentrated around subsistence and the export of raw materials such as uranium. The majority of the population lives in rural areas and has little access to education, resulting in one of the lowest literacy rates in the world.

To improve healthcare for the population at large we continue to work with the Ministry of Health and community health workers to deliver integrated health programs throughout the country. These focus on the treatment and prevention of diseases, especially malnutrition and malaria.

Child Mortality

Niger is affected by child malnutrition to epidemic proportions. The peak occurs between harvests in May and September when household food stores are depleted and are insufficient to meet nutritional needs. This period, termed the ‘hunger gap’, coincides with the rainy season and a proliferation of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.

MSF teams are involved in running community-based educational activities, and conduct seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). We run targeted paediatric programs, support community health workers and boost the capacity of public facilities, particularly during the 'hunger gap'. 

Awareness-raising sessions about preventing diseases and recognising symptoms are critical aspects of MSF’s activity that are conducted in conjunction with supports for community health workers in villages across the region. 

MSF is developing community-based healthcare and health promotion activities in the region, targeting malaria, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and screening for malnutrition.

Responding to Epidemics

Located on the ‘African meningitis belt’ that stretches across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia, Niger frequently experiences outbreaks of meningitis C, but the region is also prone to other diseases, such as hepatitis E.

MSF teams monitor high-risk meningitis C areas, help the Ministry of Health to run vaccination campaigns, and help treat those affected by the disease. The spread of hepatitis E in Diffa region slowed down since MSF began detecting and treating cases in early 2017.

Our teams helped to treat patients and set up an intensive care unit for pregnant women, for whom the risks are most severe.Teams chlorinated water and distributed clean jerry cans, as well as hygiene kits that included soap, gloves and utensils. At present, no vaccine exists for the prevention of hepatitis E. 

Learn more about Niger