Mission Niger

The crossroads between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, Niger is rich in underground natural resources. However, more than two thirds of the population live below the poverty line. Among the most vulnerable groups, women are subject to discrimination in relation to education, literacy and access to healthcare. Given the high maternal and infant mortality rates, women are the first victims of the failing health system.

Project 1 :

Primary healthcare - Keita

Activities :

• Refurbishment, equipment, staff training and mentoring in nine integrated health centres.
• Facilitating access to primary healthcare by eliminating fees for children under five, pregnant women and family planning consultations.
• Supporting the implementation of a new national treatment protocol for malaria.
• Definition of a common intervention protocol with Action Against Hunger - Spain relating to the screening and treating malnutrition.

Outlook :

• Reinforcing the sexual and reproductive health work.
• Continuing activities concerning the financial accessibility of healthcare.

Project 2 :

Research, Action, Advocacy - Tahoua

Activities :

The programme aims to improve knowledge and practices relating to nutrition and family planning in three communities: Peuls, Haoussas and Touaregs. There are three components to the programme:
Research:
• study on the causes of malnutrition and high birth rates;
• survey of the nutritional, demographic and health situation;
• a study of good practice.

Action :
• identification and implementation of an information, education and communication (IEC) strategy in nutrition and family planning;
• community health activities, including a nutrition component;
• community health activities, including a family planning programme.

Outlook :

• Completing the research activities.
• Starting awareness-raising activities in the three communities.

August 2008