Responding to Health Needs in Niger

Mercy Corps has an emergency team on the ground in one of Niger’s most famine-stricken areas, helping serve malnourished children and families by improving the quality and reach of critical health care.

We need your help to ensure that Nigerien families’ most urgent needs are immediately met.

Our efforts are currently focused in Niger’s northern Filingue region, situated about 175 kilometers northeast of the capital, Niamey.

“The World Food Programme and other organizations are encouraged by our action in this part of Niger, one of the most underserved areas in the country,” said Randy Martin, head of Mercy Corps’ Global Emergency Operations team.

Mercy Corps has partnered with a local non-governmental organization called Appui et Renforcement des Organizations Paysannes (AROP), translated as Support and Strengthening of Community Organizations. Our two organizations will deliver improved health care for Nigeriens that are suffering debilitating illnesses due to malnutrition and widespread food shortages.

Comprehensive health care and nutrition are critical at this time, especially the therapeutic treatment of severely malnourished children under five years old.

Young children account for well over a quarter of the 3.5 million people suffering from extreme hunger throughout Niger. They are suffering from famine as a result of destructive locust swarms and devastating droughts.

We are currently evaluating other ways to help families rebuild their lives and avoid future food emergencies. We will keep you updated on our progress – and their recovery. Thank you for your ongoing support.