During his appearance on RTN’s Le Grand Entretien, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, offered more than a standard overview of accomplishments. Speaking with remarkable clarity, he conveyed the assurance of a leader firmly rooted in his vision. His address notably unveiled a significant strategic shift: a resolute commitment to guiding Niger’s health system towards a progressive model of health sovereignty, anchored in local production, technological mastery, and accessible care.

From policy management to a strategy of transformation
Since assuming office in August 2023, the ministry’s initiatives have revolved around a central objective: enhancing access to care while simultaneously reducing external reliance. This direction is manifesting through a comprehensive approach that transcends mere operational management, instead embedding itself within a structural overhaul of the entire system.

Consequently, the State has initiated reforms aimed at bolstering the availability of medicines, elevating service quality, structuring the healthcare network, and progressively integrating previously marginalized dimensions such as traditional medicine and hygiene-based prevention.

A significant enhancement of national technical capabilities
One of the most apparent aspects of this transformation is the substantial investment in medical equipment. The acquisition of cutting-edge devices—including 64-slice CT scanners, MRIs, and linear accelerators for radiotherapy—marks a clear departure from a prolonged period of under-resourcing.

The management of cancer treatment perfectly exemplifies this pivotal change. Niger now possesses the three fundamental therapeutic pillars: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, enabling comprehensive care within national borders. This advancement substantially curtails the need for costly and inequitable medical evacuations abroad.

A similar principle applies to cardiac surgery, now proficiently performed locally at a cost five times lower than overseas treatments. Beyond medical efficacy, this represents a paradigm shift: Niger is beginning to treat internally conditions it once outsourced.

Towards increasing self-sufficiency in medicines and essential inputs
Another strategic cornerstone is pharmaceutical sovereignty. The Minister emphasizes the imperative of domestic production, particularly for vital products like serum, whose manufacturing relies on resources readily available within Niger.

Reforms at the National Supply Office (ONPPC) have led to high satisfaction rates for essential medicines. Concurrently, the strengthening of the local pharmaceutical industry is fostering a dynamic that, while nascent, is foundational for future growth.

The establishment of medical oxygen production units across the nation also constitutes a major leap forward, eliminating critical external dependency and ensuring free access to this life-sustaining input.

A proximity strategy to rectify territorial disparities
The issue of healthcare coverage is addressed with clear-sightedness. Recognizing the vastness of the territory and persistent imbalances, the ministry is prioritizing a phased approach centered on constructing better-equipped, autonomous integrated health centers (Type 2).

The creation of 36 new centers in 2025 and an improved healthcare coverage rate reflect this commitment to bringing care closer to communities. In Niamey, the decentralization of obstetric services is now alleviating pressure on overburdened facilities and enhancing emergency care.

This strategy is complemented by strengthening human resources through recruitment and training, although a significant deficit persists given escalating needs.

Prevention and a shift in health paradigm
Beyond curative treatments, the Minister’s discourse highlights an evolution towards a more preventive approach. The fight against malaria, for instance, is slated for a logical shift: it’s no longer solely about treatment, but directly targeting the vector.

Similarly, actions concerning public hygiene, access to potable water, and medical waste management demonstrate a resolve to address the underlying causes of diseases.

Governance, ethics, and ongoing challenges
Despite these strides, the Minister acknowledges the system’s limitations, particularly concerning ethics, patient reception, and professional discipline. Control, inspection, and sanction mechanisms have been reinforced, yet transforming behaviors remains a significant hurdle.

The challenges of human resources, training institutions, and private sector regulation also emerge as delicate undertakings, demanding structural reforms.

A regional ambition within the AES framework
Finally, the regional dimension is asserting itself as a strategic lever. Collaboration with AES countries paves the way for pooling expertise, equipment, and health policies.

This dynamic could eventually lead to a shared healthcare organization, reinforcing collective autonomy in facing health challenges.

A health system in transition
Throughout this interview, a clear reality emerges: Niger’s health system is undergoing a transition. Balancing structural constraints with firm ambitions, it is evolving towards a more autonomous, accessible, and integrated model.

While numerous challenges persist, the trajectory undertaken reveals a clear determination: to establish health as a cornerstone of national sovereignty.

For a comprehensive understanding of the issues discussed, follow the full interview with the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, conducted by RTN.