03-03-2025 | di COOPI

Niger. An Integrated Response to Health and Humanitarian Emergencies in Conflict-Affected Areas

Since 2022, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale implements the project “Emergency Response (RRM) to the health care, nutrition and psychosocial support needs of vulnerable populations, both displaced and host, in the conflict-affected regions of Niger”, with the support of the European Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

Niger has been the scene of complex crises for years: frequent conflicts, climate disasters and a fragile health system put millions of people at risk. In 2024 alone, more than 1.4 million people lost their homes due to flooding. In the same year, armed groups drove thousands of people from their homes, with the regions of Tillabéri and Tahoua hosting up to a total of 431 818 displaced persons (UNHCR, June 2024). While forecasts for this new year state that 1.7 million children under five years of age are at risk of suffering from acute malnutrition. In this critical scenario, ensuring access to care becomes a matter of vital importance.

In Niger, the ‘Emergency Response’ project has enabled COOPI to reach 918 707 beneficiaries, of whom 346 008 are women and 312 361 are under the age of 18, thanks to a widespread and integrated approach. The six mobile clinics activated by the project operate in the most difficult-to-reach areas, offering basic health care with a focus on the prevention of epidemic-risk diseases. The focus is on mothers and children, guaranteeing prenatal check-ups, routine vaccinations and essential care. Thanks to EU funding, in March 2024, COOPI responded to a meningitis epidemic by setting up a field hospital in Niamey to assist patients and isolate outbreaks. Two mobile clinics operated on the ground to monitor cases, and a mass vaccination campaign helped to contain the spread of the disease. A total of 179 patients were treated, including 100 children under five.

When the floods of July 2024 devastated the country, causing an increase in water-borne diseases such as cholera, COOPI activated three mobile clinics to provide immediate health care. In addition to medical services, hygiene kits were distributed and temporary shelters created for more than 225 families in the regions of Tahoua and Maradi. Thanks to this intervention, cholera cases decreased by 85%, with more than 8,000 people assisted.

Alongside the use of mobile clinics, the project includes nutritional screenings to identify and treat malnutrition with therapeutic foods. Another crucial aspect is medical and psychological support for survivors of gender-based violence, ensuring safe and confidential access to necessary care and providing psychological assistance to victims. 

A key element of the project's success is the active participation of communities. Community leaders are trained to support nutritional screening and awareness activities, helping to spread good health practices. Additionally, activities carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Humanitarian Action strengthen the capacities of local health institutions, ensuring a lasting impact.

COOPI has been working in Niger since 2012 developing integrated multi-sector intervention programmes, responding to various humanitarian crises. Today we intervene with 23 projects in the areas of nutrition, food security, emergency education, psychosocial support, mental health, protection, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, and entrepreneurial development.