A ceremony was held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Governorate of Dosso, where testimonials of recognition and esteem were awarded to outgoing regional directors. The Governor of the region, Colonel-major Bana Alhassane, presided over the event. The gathering acknowledged the contributions of these directors as they concluded their tenures in Dosso, marking a significant moment of transition and appreciation for their dedicated service to the region. The ceremony showed the importance of public service and the impact of leadership in regional development.
Health Sector Achievements Noted
Dr. Maman Sani Mahamane, the outgoing Regional Director of Health and Public Hygiene, delivered a speech acknowledging developments in the region's health sector. Dr. Mahamane had commenced his mission on September 24, 2021, and his departure in 2026 coincided with the conclusion of the PDSS 2022-2026 plan, a strategic framework guiding health initiatives. During his tenure, the region witnessed substantial growth and improvements across various health indicators. The number of health centers (CSI) in the region, for instance, increased significantly from 160 to 212, directly contributing to an expansion of health coverage from 50.2% to 55.6%. This expansion reflects a concerted effort to make healthcare more accessible to the population of Dosso.
Reporting metrics also showed significant improvements, noting enhanced data collection and management. Report completeness reached an impressive 100%, ensuring that all relevant data was captured, while report promptness was recorded at 97.1%, indicating timely submission of information key for effective health planning and response. Vaccination rates saw substantial gains, demonstrating strong public health campaigns. Measles vaccination rose from 35% to 84.8%, a critical increase in protecting children from a highly contagious disease. Similarly, BCG vaccination, vital for tuberculosis prevention, increased from 56.2% to 89.7%. Additionally, Penta 3 vaccination achieved a remarkable rate of 98.8%, safeguarding infants against multiple diseases. These figures show the success of immunization programs during Dr. Mahamane's leadership.
The health sector also observed an increase in essential services, directly impacting the well-being of the region's inhabitants. Assisted births grew from 62,468 to 77,954, indicating improved access to professional maternal care and safer delivery conditions. Patient consultations similarly climbed, from 1,270,883 in 2021 to 1,613,245 in 2025, reflecting greater utilization of healthcare services by the populace. The number of midwives in the region also saw a key increase, rising from 134 to 173 during this period, strengthening the workforce dedicated to maternal and child health. Dr. Maman Sani Mahamane stated, "I leave with a serene mind. The baton changes hands; the race continues," expressing confidence in the continued progress of the health sector.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Colonel-major Bana Alhassane, the Governor of Dosso, commended the outgoing officials for their exemplary work and dedication. He specifically praised the remarkable contributions of the Regional Director of Health and Public Hygiene, Dr. Maman Sani Mahamane, the Regional Director of Urbanism and Housing, and the Regional Manager of Enabel. Governor Alhassane noted the officials' unwavering commitment, their constant availability to address regional challenges, and their strong sense of public service throughout their tenures. His words resonated with the sentiment of gratitude for their efforts in advancing the region's development goals.
Concluding Festivities
The ceremony concluded with a series of celebratory events designed to honor the outgoing directors and foster community spirit. A gala match was held at the Dosso regional stadium, bringing together participants and spectators in a festive atmosphere. Following the sporting event, a reception took place at the Regional Directorate of Health and Public Hygiene, providing an opportunity for further camaraderie and reflection on the day's events. These concluding festivities marked the official end of the recognition ceremony, leaving a lasting impression of appreciation for the service rendered by the departing regional leaders.