The Nigerien Minister of Public Health and Hygiene, Colonel Major Garba Hakimi, emphasized on November 29 in Dakhla, Morocco, that Niger is making significant strides toward achieving healthcare sovereignty during an interview with the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP) at the conclusion of the two-day First African Summit on Health Systems and Healthcare Sovereignty, which he attended.
Niger’s commitment to a self-reliant healthcare system
Healthcare sovereignty aligns with the vision of Niger’s highest authorities, including President General Abdourahmane Tiani and the Prime Minister, who are actively investing in the health sector. These efforts include the development of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and integrated health centers nationwide. ‘These facilities will enhance primary healthcare at the community level,’ the minister stated, underscoring the necessity of foundational infrastructure to support robust health systems.
Investments in advanced technology and human capital
Minister Hakimi highlighted Niger’s progress in acquiring cutting-edge medical equipment and increasing healthcare investments across the country. ‘This ensures healthcare professionals can deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatment for diseases,’ he noted. Additionally, he stressed the importance of professional training, stating, ‘Equipment alone is insufficient; skilled personnel must operate it effectively.’ As part of this initiative, healthcare workers are receiving specialized training and continuous professional development opportunities.
The government is also implementing policies such as subsidized healthcare services, including a 50% reduction in public health facility fees and free care for vulnerable populations. These measures include free childbirth services and medical care for children under five, alongside infrastructure development at all levels to improve healthcare accessibility. ‘This new approach will propel Niger toward universal health coverage,’ the minister affirmed.
Challenges and solutions in African healthcare systems
Reflecting on the Dakhla Summit, Minister Hakimi acknowledged both progress and persistent challenges in African healthcare systems, such as weak governance, financial constraints, and system fragility. ‘Identifying problems is not enough; we must develop strategies to build resilient, high-performance systems that meet our sovereignty goals,’ he explained.
He praised His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco for championing a vision of a healthcare-sovereign Africa. During the summit, the inauguration of the African Academy of Health Sciences was celebrated, with Morocco committing to constructing university hospitals and training facilities, including a comprehensive complex in Dakhla. ‘Quality human resources are the backbone of a strong healthcare system,’ he asserted. ‘His Majesty’s vision must be embraced by all African leaders to drive progress.’
Financing and collaborative strategies for healthcare sovereignty
Minister Hakimi reiterated calls from African heads of state to allocate 15% of national budgets to healthcare to secure sufficient funding for equipment, workforce development, and infrastructure. ‘We must not depend on external aid to achieve sovereignty; self-reliance is within reach through concerted efforts,’ he declared.
He also noted a growing trend among countries adopting innovative financing models to strengthen healthcare systems. The Dakhla Declaration outlines a five-pillar roadmap—epidemiology, human capital/training, research and innovation, financing/governance, and infrastructure/equitable access—to achieve healthcare sovereignty. ‘If we focus on these areas, universal health coverage is achievable,’ he concluded optimistically.