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Context

Considered one of the poorest countries in the world, Niger is located in a desert and semi-desert region, with only 10% of its territory suitable for agriculture. Deteriorating climatic conditions are creating strong demographic pressure on exploitable land, which has intensified inter-community conflicts for several years.

Niger is extremely vulnerable to persistent violence perpetrated by non-state armed groups against civilians, particularly in the “three frontiers” zone (with Burkina Faso and Mali) and the Lake Chad area (Nigeria, Chad). After the military coup of 2023, the situation worsened with an increase in atrocities, the closure of borders and military interventions.

Clashes between these groups led to large-scale population displacement. The southern regions bordering Nigeria are facing an unprecedented crisis. In Niger, 4.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, i.e. 17% of the population.

Our approach
Description of the mission

Première Urgence Internationale has been present in the Sahel region since the 1990s, implementing health programs to help vulnerable populations, particularly in the Agadez region of Niger.

Since the end of 2017, in the face of multiple ongoing crises in Niger, 6 out of 8 regions are facing severe acute malnutrition, leading to an increase in forced displacements in the Tillabéri, Tahoua and Diffa regions. Faced with the deteriorating security situation in the “three frontiers” area and the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin, Première Urgence Internationale decided to develop a regional strategy for the Central Sahel region. Today, the NGO has a coordination office in Niamey and two operational bases in Ouallam and Torodi, in the Tillabéri region.

Première Urgence Internationale
in action

Première Urgence Internationale’s actions in Niger aim to improve access to healthcare and strengthen monitoring and warning systems, particularly at community level, while working to sustainably strengthen health structures in the Tillabéri region. Our teams strengthen the health system wit the following activities.

Supporting the region’s health centers and deploying mobile clinics to facilitate access to care.
Responding to primary and mental health needs, through a rapid response mechanism (a mechanism designed to respond to shocks caused by conflicts and climate shocks, when these trigger population movements or epidemics).
A community-based approach. The mission has stepped up its community health activities, providing local care for children under the age of five and psychological first aid through community relays, to ensure that people continue to have access to health services in the most remote areas.

Première Urgence Internationale also provides psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence.

©Première Urgence Internationale

©Première Urgence Internationale

©Première Urgence Internationale

Djawad BOUKHEDDAMI

Head of mission Niger © Première Urgence Internationale

“Première Urgence Internationale’s team in Niger is dynamic and tightly knit. The missions is constantly developing, with many challenges now and in the future.”