The Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, concluded his mission to the Zinder region on October 7, 2026. The mission, which began on September 30, aimed to monitor the construction of 20 integrated health centers of type 2. These centers are part of the 2022-2026 health and social development plan. The mission was conducted in collaboration with regional, departmental, and communal authorities, traditional leaders, and representatives from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank.
The health centers are being constructed under the Lafia Iyali project, financed by the Nigerien government with support from the World Bank. The project involves transforming 35 health posts into integrated health centers of type 2, with 20 of them located in the Zinder region. Each center will have various facilities, including a curative care block, laboratory, pharmacy, maternity block, and solar-powered electrification system. The centers aim to improve healthcare services, particularly in areas with limited access.
The mission aimed to assess the quality of the constructed health centers and identify potential challenges. The team inspected the centers to ensure they met the required standards and were completed according to the agreements made by the parties involved. They also evaluated the availability of essential services, including water supply and waste management.
According to the Minister of Health, the construction of these health centers is a significant step towards expanding healthcare coverage in the region. The current coverage in the Zinder region stands at 49.84%, which is expected to increase to 52.59% by 2026 with the completion of the new centers. The Minister emphasized that extending healthcare coverage remains a national priority.
The Lafia Iyali project is designed to improve healthcare infrastructure and services in Niger. The project includes not only the construction of new health centers but also the upgrading of existing facilities. The goal is to enhance the quality of healthcare services and make them more accessible to the population.
During the mission, the team assessed the quality of the constructed health centers and identified areas for improvement. They also evaluated the availability of essential services, including water supply and waste management. The findings will inform future projects and help address any challenges that arise.
The successful completion of the health centers in the Zinder region will contribute to the overall goal of improving healthcare services in Niger. The government, with the support of international partners, is committed to expanding healthcare coverage and enhancing the quality of services.
Key points
- The mission aimed to monitor the construction of 20 integrated health centers of type 2 in the Zinder region.
- The health centers are part of the 2022-2026 health and social development plan.
- The construction of the health centers is expected to increase healthcare coverage in the Zinder region from 49.84% to 52.59% by 2026.
