The Nigerien Minister of Public Health and Hygiene, Colonel Major Garba Hakimi, declared on November 29 in Dakhla, Morocco, that Niger is making significant strides toward achieving health sovereignty. This statement came during a press briefing at the conclusion of the two-day First African Summit on Health Systems and Health Sovereignty, which brought together experts from across the continent.

According to Hakimi, Niger’s commitment to health sovereignty aligns with the vision of the country’s highest authorities, including President Abdourahmane Tiani and the Prime Minister. These leaders have prioritized substantial investments in the health sector, focusing on infrastructure development, equipment acquisition, and workforce training. ‘’These efforts are designed to strengthen primary healthcare at the community level,’’ he emphasized.

key milestones in Niger’s health sovereignty journey

The minister outlined several achievements in recent years, including:

• Construction of hospitals and integrated health centers across the country to improve access to primary care.
• Procurement of advanced medical equipment to enhance diagnostic and curative services.
• Targeted training programs for healthcare professionals to ensure they can effectively use new technologies.
• Subsidized healthcare services, including free childbirth for mothers and reduced medical fees for vulnerable populations.

Hakimi stressed that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to achieve universal health coverage, a goal widely endorsed by African leaders. ‘’We are moving toward a system where every citizen can access quality healthcare without financial barriers,’’ he stated.

challenges and solutions in africa’s health systems

During the summit, African experts identified critical challenges hindering the continent’s health sovereignty, including:

• Weak governance structures in health systems.
• Insufficient and inequitable funding for healthcare services.
• Shortages of skilled healthcare personnel.

To address these issues, Hakimi highlighted the importance of adopting innovative financing models and ensuring robust governance. He cited the Dakhla Declaration, a five-pillar roadmap endorsed at the summit, which focuses on:

• Epidemiology and disease surveillance.
• Human capital development and training.
• Research and innovation.
• Sustainable financing and governance.
• Equitable infrastructure and access.

‘’If we commit to these priorities, Africa can achieve health sovereignty,’’ Hakimi asserted. ‘’The vision of His Majesty the King of Morocco is clear: an Africa that relies on its own resources and capabilities to build resilient health systems.’’

Morocco’s leadership in african health sovereignty

The minister commended Morocco’s initiatives, including the establishment of the African Academy of Health Sciences in Dakhla. He noted that the country is investing in world-class hospitals, universities, and training facilities to cultivate a skilled healthcare workforce. ‘’Quality human resources are the backbone of any robust health system,’’ he said.

Hakimi also reiterated calls from African leaders to allocate at least 15% of national budgets to healthcare, ensuring sustainable funding for infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. ‘’Health sovereignty is within reach—we must take ownership of our systems and stop relying on external aid,’’ he concluded.