Colonel-major Garba Hakimi, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, conducted a follow-up mission in the Maradi region from September 12 to 17, 2026, to assess the construction of fifteen Integrated Health Centers (CSI) type 2. The mission was specifically focused on ensuring the quality and compliance of the completed works with established standards. This full assessment by the Minister showed the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across the nation. The mission's objective was to ensure that the newly constructed facilities met all necessary quality benchmarks and were in full compliance with the agreed-upon specifications, guaranteeing their readiness for effective public service.
Colonel-major Hakimi stated that "the expansion of health coverage remains a national priority. The construction of these fifteen new CSIs thus constitutes a significant step forward in our commitment to bringing essential health services closer to the populations, particularly in areas that need them most." He emphasized that the primary goal of these new health centers is to advance the objective of making essential health services more accessible to the local populations. He added that "thanks to these new infrastructures, health coverage in the Maradi region should increase from 54.22% in 2023 to 57.40% in 2026." This projected increase notes the tangible impact expected from these strategic investments in public health. The Minister also noted, "We also visited the construction site of the Gazaoua District Hospital, where work is currently underway, as well as the CSIs of Nafouta and Daratou in the Tessaoua and Mayahi health districts, respectively." These additional visits provided a broader perspective on the ongoing healthcare development efforts in the region. He extended his gratitude to local authorities for their "availability and support throughout this mission," and to traditional leaders for their "availability, commitment and their decisive role in mobilising communities in favour of health actions." These acknowledgements showed the collaborative spirit essential for the successful implementation of such large-scale health initiatives. The delegation visited all fifteen CSIs, which are distributed across eight health districts within the Maradi region, ensuring a thorough and direct evaluation of each site's progress and adherence to standards.
Progress and Challenges Identified
The assessment revealed significant progress in the construction efforts, with fourteen of the fifteen Integrated Health Centers (CSIs) completed within their contractual deadlines and meeting the required quality standards. This achievement reflects effective project management and execution by the various stakeholders involved. The CSI located in Firji, however, currently has an execution rate of 79% and remains unfinished. This delay stemmed from a change in the construction site for the facility, necessitating adjustments in planning and execution. The fact that the Firji CSI is not yet finished due to a site change indicates a specific challenge that required careful attention during the Minister's visit.
A significant challenge identified during the mission involved the planned water infrastructure for these centers. Four of the fifteen boreholes intended to supply water to the CSIs were found to be negative. These boreholes either yielded water of unsuitable quality or exhibited very low flow rates, rendering them inadequate for the facilities' needs. This issue presents a critical hurdle, as reliable access to clean water is fundamental for the operation of any health facility. The discovery of these inadequate boreholes necessitates immediate remedial action to ensure the functionality and hygiene of the affected CSIs.
The Minister's mission also noted the broader efforts to expand healthcare access. The Lafia Iyali Project aims to transform 35 existing health posts into fully functional CSIs. This initiative, financed by the State with additional support from the World Bank, includes the development of 15 such centers specifically within the Maradi region. The project's scope shows a strategic approach to upgrading existing facilities and expanding the reach of primary healthcare services. The financial backing from both the State and the World Bank illustrates a significant investment in the long-term health and well-being of the population.
Issoufou Mamane, the Regional Director of Public Health, acknowledged the critical role of local partners in the project's success. He specifically referenced the traditional leader, Sa Majesté le Sultan du Gobir, stating, "à qui nous renouvelons notre gratitude pour son accueil et son engagement en faveur des actions de santé." Mamane's comments showed the collaborative approach necessary for implementing health initiatives in the region, recognizing the invaluable support from traditional authorities. This partnership between governmental bodies and local leadership is considered vital for community mobilization and project acceptance.
Future Functionality and Sustainability
The Ministry of Health has made firm commitments to ensure the long-term functionality and sustainability of these new health centers. The Ministry has committed to assigning the necessary human resources for the operation of the fifteen Integrated Health Centers (CSIs), recognizing that well-trained and sufficient staff are key for effective service delivery. This commitment also includes ensuring solar electrification for all fifteen facilities, a measure that will provide reliable and sustainable power, particularly in areas where grid access may be limited or unreliable. The Ministry has committed to equipping them with appropriate materials and equipment, ensuring that the CSIs are fully functional and capable of providing a wide range of essential health services.
Addressing the identified water supply challenges, UNICEF will provide new autonomous water points for the former CSIs located in Nafouta, Mai Kogo, and Magaria Sud, addressing previous water supply issues. This intervention by UNICEF is a critical step towards overcoming the water infrastructure deficiencies and ensuring that these health centers have a consistent supply of clean water.
Colonel-major Garba Hakimi, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, issued several key recommendations to local authorities to bolster the operational readiness and long-term viability of the CSIs. The Minister recommended that local authorities recruit surface technicians and guardians for the fifteen CSIs, ensuring both technical maintenance and security for the facilities. The Minister also urged local authorities to finalize land donation processes for the centers, which is essential for securing the legal status and future expansion possibilities of the sites. Additionally, local authorities were advised to conduct water point control and analysis every six months to ensure water quality, a key measure for public health and safety. A further recommendation from the Minister was the implementation or revitalization of a water point management system for maintenance and rehabilitation, emphasizing a proactive approach to infrastructure upkeep. These recommendations collectively aim to establish a strong framework for the efficient and sustainable operation of the new health centers.
The collaborative approach involving local and traditional leaders was noted as key for the sustainability of these health initiatives. The Minister acknowledged the contributions of traditional leaders, stating, "J’adresse également mes remerciements aux autorités coutumières et traditionnelles, pour leur disponibilité, leur engagement et leur rôle déterminant dans la mobilisation des communautés en faveur des actions de santé." This statement from the Minister shows the deep appreciation for the role of traditional institutions in fostering community participation and support for health programs. Issoufou Mamane, the Regional Director of Public Health, also recognized the support of Sa Majesté le Sultan du Gobir, remarking, "à qui nous renouvelons notre gratitude pour son accueil et son engagement en faveur des actions de santé." These acknowledgements show the importance of community engagement in the long-term success of the health infrastructure projects, emphasizing that local ownership and involvement are indispensable for their continued operation and impact.
Broader Health Goals and Context
The mission was conducted within the framework of the Health and Social Development Plan (PDSS) 2022-2026, a national strategic document guiding health sector development. This overarching plan provides the strategic direction for strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the region and beyond. Construction of the fifteen new Integrated Health Centers (CSIs) is intended to advance the goal of bringing essential health services closer to populations, particularly in underserved areas, directly aligning with the PDSS objectives. The delegation visited all fifteen CSIs, which are distributed across eight health districts within the Maradi region, ensuring a full overview of the progress and challenges across diverse geographical settings.
Among the visited facilities, the CSI of Liguido in the Doutchi health district underwent official reception, marking its readiness for operation. This specific center was built with funding provided by the Islamic Development Bank, noting the diverse international partnerships contributing to Niger's health sector development. The official reception of the Liguido CSI signifies a tangible milestone in the expansion of healthcare services in the Doutchi health district. The overall impact of these new infrastructures is projected to significantly improve health coverage in the Maradi region, with an expected increase from 54.22% in 2023 to 57.40% in 2026. This expansion reflects a concentrated effort to enhance access to medical care for residents, directly contributing to the national health goals outlined in the PDSS 2022-2026. The strategic placement and equipping of these facilities are expected to alleviate the burden on existing health centers and improve health outcomes for the local population.
Issoufou Mamane, the Regional Director of Public Health, reiterated appreciation for local engagement in these initiatives. He specifically referenced the traditional leader, Sa Majesté le Sultan du Gobir, stating, "à qui nous renouvelons notre gratitude pour son accueil et son engagement en faveur des actions de santé." His comments show the collaborative approach deemed necessary for the successful implementation and sustained operation of health projects in the region. This ongoing partnership with traditional and local authorities is considered a cornerstone for the successful integration of these new health centers into the community fabric, ensuring their effective utilization and long-term viability.