Niger advances toward health sovereignty at Dakhla summit

The Nigerien Minister of Public Health and Hygiene, Colonel Major Garba Hakimi, has reaffirmed Niger’s commitment to achieving health sovereignty during the first African Summit on Health Systems and Sovereignty held in Dakhla, Morocco, on November 29.

Speaking to the National Press Agency (ANP), the minister highlighted that Niger’s push for health sovereignty aligns with the vision of the country’s highest authorities, including President General Abdourahmane Tiani and the Prime Minister, who have prioritized significant investments in the healthcare sector.

key investments in Nigeria’s health infrastructure

Major strides have been made in expanding healthcare access, with new hospitals and integrated health centers being constructed across the nation. These facilities are designed to strengthen primary healthcare at the community level, ensuring that citizens receive essential medical services close to home. As the minister pointed out, “A robust healthcare system cannot exist without foundational infrastructure that supports primary care.”

equipment and human resources for better diagnostics

The government has also prioritized the acquisition of cutting-edge medical equipment nationwide, enabling healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses and provide effective treatment. However, the minister emphasized that high-tech tools alone are insufficient without skilled personnel. To address this, ongoing training programs and continuous professional development opportunities are being provided to healthcare workers, including specialized medical training.

policy measures to improve healthcare access

Niger’s healthcare strategy includes substantial budget allocations, targeted free healthcare services for vulnerable populations, and a 50% reduction in public healthcare fees. These measures aim to enhance accessibility and affordability, particularly for maternal and child health services. The minister stressed, “Programs like free childbirth services, care for children under five, and infrastructure development at all levels are crucial to achieving universal health coverage.”

addressing challenges and building resilience

During the summit, African health experts reviewed the continent’s healthcare systems, acknowledging progress while identifying persistent challenges such as weak governance, inadequate funding, and systemic fragility. Minister Hakimi underscored the need for strategic solutions to build a more resilient and high-performing healthcare system that can truly deliver health sovereignty. “Identifying challenges is just the first step; the real work lies in implementing effective strategies to overcome them,” he stated.

Morocco’s vision for african health sovereignty

The minister praised Morocco’s leadership in advancing health sovereignty across Africa, particularly through the establishment of the African Academy of Health Sciences. He noted that Morocco’s investments in healthcare infrastructure, including university hospitals and specialized training centers in Dakhla, demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the continent’s human resources in health. “Quality healthcare requires skilled professionals. Without them, even the best infrastructure is ineffective,” he explained.

Hakimi called on African leaders to adopt the 15% budget allocation recommendation for healthcare, ensuring sufficient funding for equipment, human resources, and infrastructure. “Health sovereignty is achievable through self-reliance. We must stop depending on external aid and instead focus on building our own capabilities,” he asserted.

a five-pillar roadmap to health sovereignty

The Dakhla Declaration outlines a five-pillar roadmap for achieving health sovereignty: Epidemiology; Human capital/training; Research and innovation; Financing/governance; and Infrastructure and equitable access. “By focusing on these five areas, we can make significant progress toward health sovereignty. The key is sustained effort and collaboration,” the minister concluded.

The summit, held from November 28 to 29, brought together around 200 African health experts to discuss strategies for strengthening the continent’s healthcare systems under the patronage of Morocco’s King.