Niger
In the aftermath of the political crisis that unfolded in July 2023 in Niger, which compounded pre-existing humanitarian needs in the country, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) continued to provide vital healthcare and support in affected areas.
Our activities 2023
million outpatient consultations
malaria cases treated
people admitted to hospital, including 93600 children aged under five
children admitted to outpatient feeding programmes for sever acute malnutrition
During the year, the security situation remained volatile in areas along the borders with Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Mali. There were numerous violent incidents, including kidnappings, assassinations, and casualties from improvised explosive devices in Tillabéry region, in the Lake Chad basin, and to a lesser extent in Maradi region in the south.
Following the military coup on 26 July, sanctions, such as the closure of land and air borders and the suspension of regional trade and banking relations, exacerbated food insecurity and made it even more difficult for people to access healthcare.
In Assamaka, several international NGOs withdrew, leaving thousands of migrants expelled from Algeria to fend for themselves in the desert of northern Niger, deprived of shelter, healthcare, protection and the basic necessities. In response, MSF distributed water and essential relief items such as hygiene and cooking kits, and provided mental health support, while publicly denouncing the appalling conditions migrants were forced to live in.
Despite restrictions on access imposed on humanitarian NGOs, as well as border closures which severely disrupted the supply chain, particularly for nutrition products, we continued offering comprehensive care in hospitals and integrated health centres that we already support in Tillabéri, Maradi, Zinder, Tahoua and Diffa regions. This included maternity, paediatric and nutrition services. We also continued to build and upgrade facilities in these regions as part of our long-term partnership with the Nigerien health authorities to improve access to healthcare for people living in vulnerable circumstances.