In April 2026, the Republic of Niger took an important step toward strengthening health service delivery in insecure areas by training frontline military health personnel on integrated disease surveillance, early detection of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and other vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as the strengthening of Routine Immunization.
For the first time, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, and the Directorate of Surveillance, Outbreak and Diseases (DSRE) organized a 12-day training in Niamey for military health workers deployed in Diffa, Tahoua, and Tillabéri , areas where insecurity has disrupted civilian health services. With support from Solina, in collaboration with the GPEI Niger team and with funding from the Gates Foundation, 25 military health personnel, including nurses, doctors, and veterinarians, were equipped with the skills to detect Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), identify other vaccine-preventable diseases, monitor malnutrition risks, and strengthen routine immunization services.
This approach recognizes that in conflict-affected settings, military health personnel are often among the few actors able to reach underserved populations. By equipping them with the tools and skills of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), Niger is expanding the reach of essential health services to children and families living in security-compromised areas.
The training, led by facilitators from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Defense, also covered data reporting using ODK, community engagement, communication, and civil-military collaboration. These skills will enable the trained personnel to conduct regular vaccination outreach sessions while supporting disease surveillance over the next six months.
This first cohort marks the beginning of a broader effort. Two additional batches of military health workers are planned for July and October 2026, with further expansion expected in 2027 to reach more security-compromised communities.
Beyond the training itself, Solina is supporting the development and implementation of a post-training action plan alongside national partners, helping ensure that the skills gained translate into improved health outcomes.
Solina and partners used the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the Health Minister and Defense stakeholders to strengthen coordination and integration of health interventions, to improve health outcomes in security-compromised areas.
The workshop is part of Niger’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience of its health system and achieve national and international goals regarding vaccination coverage and epidemiological surveillance.
