Author: Ousmane Tandja

The United States and Niger have formalized a significant five-year cooperation agreement, earmarking a total of 178 million dollars to bolster the health sector within the Sahelian nation. According to a statement released by the American Embassy in Niamey, this substantial support aims to enhance the self-reliance of Niger’s healthcare infrastructure and elevate the capabilities of its medical professionals. It also seeks to safeguard the progress achieved in recent years concerning malaria control, infectious disease surveillance and response, and critical maternal and child health initiatives. The document further specifies that…

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, undertook an inspection tour of the Niger-Türkiye Friendship Hospital. The primary objectives were to personally evaluate the facility’s infrastructure and equipment, understand the working conditions of its staff, and engage with them to identify challenges and devise appropriate solutions. Upon his arrival, the Minister toured various departments within the hospital. These included the emergency room, mammography unit, operating theaters, the neonatal intensive care unit, embryology and oocyte retrieval laboratories, and the gynecology and obstetrics department.…

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024-2025 biennial report for Burkina Faso reveals significant progress in public health, even amidst persistent security, humanitarian, and climate-related obstacles. Among the report’s standout accomplishments is the widespread implementation of the malaria vaccine across all 70 health districts, marking a pivotal step in preventing malaria and safeguarding child health. Additionally, the WHO PEN package was rolled out in six health districts, bolstering the integrated management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the primary healthcare level. A significant policy milestone during this biennium is the enactment of…

Burkina Faso slashes medicine prices by up to 72% to boost healthcare access The Burkina Faso government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to reduce the cost of essential generic medications and medical supplies, with reductions as high as 72%. This strategic move aims to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all citizens. The announcement follows a Council of Ministers meeting held on February 12, 2026, where officials approved sweeping price adjustments for drugs distributed through the Central Purchasing Unit for Essential Generic Medicines (CAMEG). The new rates will take…

A fresh wave of brutality has struck Niger, leaving 31 civilians—including men and children—slaughtered in the village of Bossiye, located in the Tillabéri region. The massacre, carried out on January 18, has been attributed to jihadist militants linked to the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). According to reports from Human Rights Watch, around 100 heavily armed militants descended on the village on motorcycles near midday, unleashing indiscriminate violence. Survivors and local sources describe a scene of sheer terror as families were targeted without mercy. This latest atrocity underscores…

Transparency International has released its latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025, revealing a troubling global trend: corruption is worsening even in long-standing democracies, where political leadership appears to be weakening. The CPI evaluates 180 countries and territories, ranking them based on perceived levels of public-sector corruption. Each nation is scored on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (highly clean). Shockingly, over two-thirds of the countries scored below 50, signaling widespread governance failures. how corruption is measured Measuring corruption directly is nearly impossible—it thrives in secrecy. Instead, the…

Civilian casualties in a suspected Nigerian military drone strike A drone strike in the Niger village of Kokoloko, near the border with Burkina Faso, reportedly killed at least 17 civilians, including four children, and injured 13 others on January 6, 2026. The attack also resulted in the deaths of three Islamist militants, according to reports. Click to expand Image Violation of international humanitarian law The strike occurred in a bustling market where hundreds of civilians were present, including women and children. Witnesses reported seeing a white drone circling the area…