NIGER
The government of Niger reports that its expenditures on family planning remained flat through 2013, but that it is on track to reach its goal of quadrupling the family planning budget in 2014. Donor funding has increased for health and for RMNCH, especially family planning. However, the government is still working to mobilize resources for the 2013–2020 National Action Plan.
Injectables are now included in the methods that can be provided by community health workers. The Ministry of Health is developing a project with Orange Niger (the telecommunications company) to introduce a mobile program for providing improved postpartum care for pregnant women.
The Ecole des Maris (Schools for Husbands) are considered very successful and are now nationally scaled up with the support of UNFPA (increasing from 11 in 2007 to 610 at the end of 2013; more will continue to be added). The Ministry of Health reports an increase in the use of family planning in the areas with the schools.
The number of youth centers has doubled from 25 to 50 since 2010. At the centers, youth can organize activities, hold discussions and access information on reproductive issues and family planning. Family planning information has been integrated into the school health curriculum in Niger’s capital, but contraceptive methods are not yet being offered.
The Ministry of Health is conducting yearly contraceptive coverage surveys—tracking 41 indicators—in all the regions of the country. Software has been implemented in 42 districts to monitor commodities and identify bottlenecks and stock-outs.
Source: Niger Ministry of Health, via SEEK interview.
