The Nigerien Minister of Public Health and Hygiene, Colonel Major Garba Hakimi, declared on November 29 in Dakhla, Morocco, that Niger is fully engaged in advancing health sovereignty. This statement came during an interview following the two-day African Summit on Health Systems and Health Sovereignty, where he represented the country.
Health sovereignty as a national priority
According to Minister Hakimi, health sovereignty aligns perfectly with the vision of Niger’s highest authorities, including President General Abdourahmane Tiani and the Prime Minister, who have prioritized significant investments in the health sector. These efforts include the construction of new healthcare facilities across the nation, such as hospitals and integrated health centers, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare at the community level.
The minister emphasized that a robust health system cannot exist without foundational infrastructure capable of delivering essential primary care services.
Modernization through equipment and training
Minister Hakimi highlighted ongoing efforts to equip public health facilities with advanced medical technologies, accompanied by substantial investments nationwide. These upgrades enable healthcare professionals to deliver accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, particularly for curative care. He stressed that while cutting-edge equipment is vital, so too is a well-trained workforce. Thus, continuous professional development and specialized training programs are being implemented to ensure medical personnel can operate these new tools effectively.
Policy reforms and financial commitment
The Nigerien government has also implemented policy reforms to improve healthcare accessibility. These include increased budget allocations for the health sector, subsidized care for vulnerable populations, and a 50% reduction in public healthcare service fees. The minister noted that initiatives such as free childbirth services and care for children under five, alongside infrastructure development, are critical to achieving universal health coverage.
‘These measures are steering Niger toward the universal health coverage goal championed by national leaders,’ he stated. ‘With determination, we are confident this vision will become a reality.’
Key challenges and strategic solutions
Reflecting on the outcomes of the Dakhla Summit, Minister Hakimi acknowledged both progress and persistent challenges in Africa’s health systems. He identified systemic fragility, governance gaps, and funding shortfalls as major obstacles. However, he underscored that identifying challenges is only the first step—developing effective strategies to build resilient, high-performing health systems is the priority.
‘The goal is not just to recognize our weaknesses but to adopt proactive measures that strengthen our health systems,’ he explained. ‘This is the only path to achieving true health sovereignty.’
Visionary leadership and regional collaboration
The minister praised Morocco’s leadership in promoting health sovereignty through initiatives like the African Academy of Health Sciences, inaugurated during the summit. He commended Morocco’s commitment to constructing university hospitals, training institutions, and specialized health complexes in Dakhla, emphasizing that skilled human resources are the backbone of any resilient health system.
‘A strong health system requires not only infrastructure but also a highly competent workforce,’ he noted. ‘His Majesty the King’s vision must inspire other African heads of state to prioritize health sovereignty.’
Pathway to self-reliance in healthcare
Minister Hakimi reiterated the importance of domestic funding, advocating for increased national budget allocations to the health sector. He cited the Abuja Declaration’s recommendation of dedicating 15% of national budgets to health as a critical benchmark. ‘Health sovereignty is achievable without relying on external aid,’ he asserted. ‘African nations must take ownership of their health systems to drive progress.’
Innovative financing and the Dakhla Declaration
Beyond traditional funding, the minister highlighted the growing adoption of innovative financing models to bolster health systems. He expressed optimism about the Dakhla Declaration’s five-pillar roadmap: Epidemiology, Human Capital/Training, Research and Innovation, Financing/Governance, and Infrastructure/Equitable Access. ‘By focusing on these pillars, we can build the resilient health systems Africa needs,’ he concluded.
The first African Summit on Health Systems and Health Sovereignty, held in Dakhla from November 28 to 29, brought together 200 African experts to discuss strategies for achieving health sovereignty, with strong support from His Majesty the King of Morocco.
