Covid Diaries EDITION 002 JULY 2020

NIGER Turning Threats into Opportunities © UNICEF /2020/Islamane

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Félicité Tchibindat Ilaria Carnevali Nakoum Diakite Representative Deputy Representative Deputy Representative +227 80 06 60 00 Programmes Operations [email protected] +227 80 06 60 01 +227 80 06 60 02 UNICEF Niger [email protected] [email protected] Contents

6. The World Bank And UNICEF Deliver Vital Supplies for Niger’s Covid-19 Response

8. Ensuring Continuity of Life-Saving Care for Malnourished Children In Niger

9. West And Central Africa: More than 15 Million Expected Cases of Acute Malnutrition in 2020

10. Mitigating the Impacts of Covid-19 Crisis on Children’s Education

11. Bringing the Power of Connectivity to Fast Track Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities

12. Discretion Saves Lives: Quick Cleans and ‘Hotel Quarantine’ in

14. Coping with Covid-19: A Pandemic through a Girl’s Eyes

15. Supporting Country’s Efforts to Respond to Emergencies In Niger

16. China Donates US$ 1 Million to Improve Maternal and Child Health in Niger

17. Children Behind Bars: Protecting the Rights of Children in Conflict With the Law in Niger © UNICEF Niger/2020/Haro UNICEF IN ACTION

Following the confirmation of the first positive case of COVID-19 in Niger, UNICEF has been working closely with the Government and its partners to step up the response and prevent further proliferation of the COVID-19 virus in the country, already facing the consequences of multiple crisis (nutrition, conflicts, natural disasters).

According to its response plan, UNICEF continues to support the Government, and particularly the Ministry of Health (MoH), in the field of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), infection prevention and control (IPC), supply and logistics, epidemiological surveillance and healthcare provision.

UNICEF is co-leading three of the eight sub-committees established by the MoH (RCCE, IPC and logistics) and is an active member of the others. UNICEF is also participating to the UN COVID-19 crisis group. © UNICEF Chad/2014/Esiebo This consignment includes critical medication and equipment needed for the treatment of coronavirus infections, personal protective equipment and kits for front-line healthcare workers, equipment for temporary healthcare facilities and other health equipment and medication © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane THE WORLD BANK AND UNICEF DELIVER VITAL SUPPLIES FOR NIGER’S COVID-19 RESPONSE The shipment is part of a trilateral agreement through which UNICEF is supporting the delivery of essential emergency supplies purchased by Niger’s Ministry of Health with financing provided by the World Bank

The World Bank and UNICEF delivered $3 and equipment needed for the treatment of million worth of medication and equipment coronavirus infections, personal protective to Niger in support of the government’s equipment and kits for front-line healthcare response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The workers, equipment for temporary healthcare arrival of the shipment of critical supplies facilities and other health equipment and was marked by a small ceremony attended medication to be available to health facilities by Niger’s Minister of Health, the World Bank and communities where there is a need. Country Manager and the UNICEF Country «The Covid-19 is a dire Representative. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the threat, but it can also importance of investing in resilient health The shipment is part of a trilateral agreement systems that can screen, diagnose, treat be turned into an through which UNICEF is supporting the people and break the chains of transmission. opportunity. We must delivery of essential emergency supplies Our health operations aim to boost Niger’s purchased by Niger’s Ministry of Health preparedness and ability to respond to the protect the gains made with financing provided by a $13.95 million pandemic and protect the people most during this pandemic. World Bank-financed COVID-19 Emergency exposed to its damaging effects. Our goal Response Project, approved on April 15, is not only to save lives, but to help country There’s still lot of 2020. build stronger, more resilient health systems to be better prepared for future disease and potential that could be ‘‘This shipment will enable us to address ensure no-one is left behind” said Joelle gained from the current some of the gaps and needs within the Beatrice Dehasse, World Bank Niger Country health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manager. situation. Some of the supplies will also help protect our health workers who are risking The World Bank and UNICEF work closely themselves trying to protect us all”, said Dr with the Government and other partners to » Idi Illiassou Maïnassara, Minister of Public step up the response and contain the spread Health. of the COVID-19 virus in the country, already facing the consequences of multiple crisis This consignment includes critical medication including malnutrition, conflicts and natural disasters.

6 In June, UNICEF already airlifted almost 10 tons of the Government-purchased vaccines Niger: US$13.95 million from The World to maintain routine immunization while keeping health workers and communities Bank for Covid-19 response safe. Keeping immunization systems and The World Bank approved in April 2020 a $13.95 million funding support structures active throughout this time is more to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and critical than ever before. strengthen national systems for preparedness in Niger.

UNICEF also ordered additional nutrition The Niger COVID-19 Emergency Response Project supports the supplies in anticipation of a possible surge government’s plan by supporting rapid procurement of critical medication in admissions for severe acute malnutrition. and equipment needed for treatment of coronavirus infections. In Latest estimates have shown a possible addition, the project supports the government’s campaign to mitigate the spread of coronavirus by raising awareness throughout the country increase of severe acute malnutrition cases of how to prevent the spread of the disease. The project focuses on due to the repercussions of COVID-19. In strengthening preparedness through early screening, detection and addition, UNICEF is putting in place actions treatment of patients; as well as as well as improved laboratory capacity to protect the diets and nutrition services and surveillance. and practices of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers during this critical “It’s essential to be proactive in dealing with the coronavirus. This program period. provides urgent support to Niger to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, limiting local transmission and reducing the health impact of COVID-19,” “The COVID-19 is a dire threat, but it can said Joelle Beatrice Dehasse, World Bank Niger Country Manager. also be turned into an opportunity. We must protect the gains made during this The World Bank Group is taking broad, fast action to help developing pandemic, such as the great mobilization countries strengthen their pandemic response, increase disease surveillance, improve public health interventions, and help the private around the importance of handwashing sector continue to operate and sustain jobs. It is deploying up to $160 practices and the strong engagement and billion in financial support over the next 15 months to help countries solidarity at community level in the fight protect the poor and vulnerable, support businesses, and bolster against the virus. It is the opportunity to economic recovery. chart a brighter future for children. There’s still a lot of potential that could be gained * The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s from the current situation,” said Dr. Felicite fund for the poorest. Established in 1960, it provides grants and low to Tchibindat, UNICEF Representative in Niger. zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest Niger reported its first case of Covid-19 sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are on March 19, 2020. As of July 22nd, the in Africa. IDA resources help effect positive change in the lives of the 1.6 billion people living in the countries that are eligible for its assistance. country has recorded 1,122 confirmed Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), of which Annual commitments are constantly on the rise and have averaged $21 1,018 people have recovered, 35 are under billion over the past three years, with about 61% going to Africa. treatment and 69 deceased.

The arrival of the shipment of critical supplies was marked by a small ceremony attended by Niger’s Minister of Health, the World Bank Country Manager and the UNICEF Country Representative © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane

7 Support from the EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) will help UNICEF to improve early access and quality of severe acute malnutrition treatment through the procurement and provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food to health facilities

© UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane ENSURING CONTINUITY OF LIFE-SAVING CARE FOR MALNOURISHED CHILDREN IN NIGER In Niger, the nutrition situation of children under five is expected to deteriorate with the current Covid-19 crisis UNICEF receives additional US$ 2.6 million UNICEF will also support the delivery of funding support from the EU Humanitarian a coordinated and integrated approach Aid (ECHO) to ensure that children suffering to addressing severe acute malnutrition from severe acute malnutrition receive in children by ensuring a continuum of quality care and treatment amidst the nutrition care and support for children and Covid-19 pandemic context. mothers. Health staff and community health workers will receive training on Integrated The country estimates that the number Management of Acute Malnutrition, Infant of children suffering from severe acute and Young Child Feeding practices and malnutrition will increase by 30% this year screenings activities. due to the impact of Covid-19 on the food security situation as well as on access of Malnutrition is a major threat to children’s children and their mothers to appropriate survival and development in Niger. Despite care and basic health services. recent efforts, severe acute malnutrition This is a critical rates and burden remain extremely high. « ‘‘We are deeply worried about the crisis and Over the past years, the rate of global moment for children. the risk of it hitting harder some of the most acute malnutrition in under-five children vulnerable children and families. Extra efforts has consistently remained above the 10% We are deeply should be made to protect those most alert level. On average annually, 350- grateful that the EU vulnerable,’’ says Dr. Félicité Tchibindat, 400,000 children under the age of five with UNICEF Representative in Niger. severe acute malnutrition are admitted for Humanitarian Aid has treatment. New estimates show this figure once again shown its This new contribution will support UNICEF may increase to 530,000 children this year and partners in their efforts to contribute due to the Covid-19 pandemic. commitment to the to reducing the incidence of severe acute children of Niger. malnutrition and preventing mortality in Amidst the pandemic, the situation is children under five suffering from severe extremely worrying, with the number of The pandemic and acute malnutrition while strengthening hungry rising steadily as the crisis deepens, its aftershocks pose systems and building resilience in also pushing 2 million people in Niger into emergency-affected areas of Niger. severe food insecurity. an enormous, but not insurmountable Support from the EU Humanitarian Aid “This is a critical moment for children. We (ECHO) will help UNICEF to improve are deeply grateful that the EU Humanitarian challenge. We will get early access and quality of severe acute Aid has once again shown its commitment through this together, malnutrition treatment through the to the children of Niger. The pandemic procurement and provision of Ready-to- and its aftershocks pose an enormous, but for every child Use Therapeutic Food to health facilities in not insurmountable challenge. We will get order to treat more than 36,000 children with through this together, for every child,” severe acute malnutrition. concludes Dr. Tchibindat. »

8 WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA: MORE THAN 15 MILLION EXPECTED CASES OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN 2020

15.4 million cases of acute malnutrition in © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane children under five years old are expected in 2020 in West and Central Africa – one third of them from its most severe form – if adequate measures are not put in place now, warned the United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This represents a 20 per cent increase from earlier estimates, in January 2020, according to an analysis of the combined impact of food insecurity and COVID-19 on acute malnutrition in 19 countries of the region.

Conflict and armed violence have led to massive population displacements and drastically limited access to basic social services, leading child malnutrition to increase to unprecedented levels. The coronavirus disease is exacerbating fragile contexts in West and Central Africa, such as in the Sahel region across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal, which were already stricken with food insecurity and malnutrition. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 4.5 million cases were anticipated to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2020, in these 6 countries. Today, with growing insecurity and COVID-19, that measures have led to disruptions in food number has jumped to almost 5.4 million. production and distribution, in health and humanitarian supply chains, as well as a slow-down of economic activities. “Children suffering from severe acute Children suffering malnutrition are at higher risk of COVID- The pandemic has had indirect negative « 19-related complications. Whereas, good impacts on food systems, households’ from severe acute nutrition for children, starting from their early income and food security, and the provision days, protects them against illnesses and of treatment against malnutrition. This malnutrition are infections, and supports their recovery when makes it more difficult for populations to at higher risk of they become ill,” said Marie-Pierre Poirier, maintain healthy diets, optimal infant and UNICEF Regional Director for West and young child feeding practices, and hinders COVID-19-related Central Africa. “Ensuring the continuity of their access to essential nutrition services. complications. preventive and lifesaving health and nutrition services, building shock-responsive social “Thousands of families will be unable to Whereas, good protection systems, protecting livelihoods provide their children with the nutritious nutrition for children, and supporting families’ access to water, food needed for their proper growth and hygiene and healthy food are critical for child development,” said Chris Nikoi, WFP starting from their survival and long-term development.” Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “We must work together to improve early days, protects Several factors threaten the nutritional access to nutritious foods and ensure that them against illnesses there are strong preventive actions that status of children under five in West and and infections, and Central Africa. These include household protect children from falling into the vicious food insecurity, poor maternal nutrition and trap of malnutrition and sickness.” supports their recovery infant feeding practices, conflicts and armed violence, population displacement, high WFP and UNICEF are working with when they become ill levels of childhood illnesses and water-borne governments and partners to ensure the diseases such as diarrhea, fragile health continuation of essential services. Together, systems, poor access to clean water and they deliver an integrated package of care sanitation, and chronic poverty. focused on the prevention and treatment » of acute malnutrition and empower Adding to these malnutrition aggravating communities for the provision of basic factors, COVID-19 pandemic containment services.

9 MITIGATING THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 CRISIS ON CHILDREN’S EDUCATION

UNICEF Representative, Dr Félicité Tchibindat, visiting a school in the region of Maradi, in central Niger © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane

The Global Partnership for Education is supporting Niger to mitigate the impacts that school closures have on the most vulnerable children and to build the resilience of education systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an children through the distribution of radios education emergency of unprecedented and school meals; (vi) girls by addressing scale. In Niger, which were already facing a the barriers to learning they face, with learning challenge before the pandemic, 3.6 back-to-school campaigns and menstrual million children were cut off from schools. hygiene kits for the new school year.

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) In late March 2020, the UNICEF office has quickly mobilized more than US$11 in Niger already received a GPE grant million to support the country with planning of US$70,000 to support the Ministry of and implementing its response to the Education in planning its response to the pandemic. The program is supported by coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. two grant agents with complementary roles: In Niger, which were Agence Française de Développement and In Niger, the government decided to « UNICEF. reopen all schools on the 1st of June for already facing a a period of 45 days. To ensure a safer learning challenge GPE is committed to working across the reopening and return to school, UNICEF partnership to promote coordinated supported the ministries of education before the pandemic, responses that are country-driven, aligned with both material and technical support. behind government priorities, and to share UNICEF also is supporting the integration 3.6 million children information and experiences. of health pandemics such as COVID19 were cut off from into the National Risk and Vulnerability The US$11 million COVID-19 grant will Reduction Strategy for the education schools. support : (i) strengthened system resilience sector, which was presented for finalization and coordination with the national budget at the annual review at the end of June. through Niger’s sector pooled funding » mechanism, while also responding effectively The education sector in Niger faces to immediate needs; (ii) distance learning by several challenges that negatively affect radio, complemented by the distribution of the sector’s progress. Universal primary printed materials for the most marginalized education coverage and completion is populations; (iii) institutions that provide hindered by a high population growth rate, remedial or alternative education where low enrollment rate, and high dropout rate. formal schooling is not available ; (iv) Access and completion is worse among safe reopening of schools with WASH vulnerable groups including girls in rural interventions; (v) refugee or displaced areas, children in nomadic areas, and children with disabilities. Niger’s education sector is also affected by frequent weather shocks. 10 10 schools in five regions are implementing the ‘‘Connect My School’’ project in Niger. It aimed at improving the quality of education while also bridging the technology gap in remote areas. © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane BRINGING THE POWER OF CONNECTIVITY TO FAST TRACK ACCESS TO EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES The COVID-19 outbreak has created a its ICT policy that helped improve access climate that poses a colossal threat, now and to the Internet and digital services in the in the future, to children and their families country. - a grim reality especially compounded among children already affected by poverty, Among existing Government initiatives disability, or social exclusion. Experts predict to boost internet connectivity in the that, given high contagion risks and the time country include The Niger 2.0 Smart needed to develop and distribute a vaccine, Villages Project. It aims to promote a COVID-19 is poised to be a long-term global promising approach to bringing meaningful health and welfare crisis. connectivity and initiating digital transformation in rural and remote parts of The global school shutdowns and health the country. The Niger 2.0 Smart Village crisis exacerbate already challenging realities project has set out to significantly improve for lower-income countries: with the limited the lives of people in rural Niger, achieving or non-existent infrastructure to connect to clear milestones in meeting sustainable distance learning and essential services, their development goals, aiming for significant current education and economic stability as gains in health, nutrition and education for well as future opportunities and welfare are the population as a whole. significantly set back. This current situation proves how critical it is to now accelerate “The Giga initiative is a great project for connectivity, online learning and other us because it comes to complement the This current situation initiatives for children and their communities already existing efforts we had of last « and drive economic stimulus. mile connectivity to different essential proves how critical it services like schools. It will also help us GIGA, an initiative launched by UNICEF to get more partners as we will be having is to now accelerate and the International Telecommunication shared objectives and responsibilities to connectivity, online Union in September 2019 to connect connect some of these priority services,” every school to the Internet and every explained Ibrahima Guimba Saidou, CEO learning and other young person to information, opportunity of the Nigerien National Agency for the initiatives for children and choice, is supporting the immediate Information Society – ANSI. “ANSI will be response to COVID19, as well as looking providing coordination support for the and their communities at how connectivity can create stronger program to get more partners embarking and drive economic infrastructures of hope and opportunity in on this initiative.” the time after COVID. stimulus. In Niger, Giga will work in partnership with The International Telecommunication the government and the private sector Union (ITU) and the UN Children’s Fund to map schools to identify connectivity » (UNICEF) have selected Niger for the Giga gaps; build affordable and sustainable initiative, which aims to bring the power of finance models; implement fit-for-purpose meaningful connectivity to fast track young infrastructure to connect schools (and people’s access to educational resources and ultimately every community and every opportunities. Niger was selected regarding citizen) and empower learning and other skills and services via appropriate Digital Public Goods.

11 © UNICEF Niger/2020/Haro DISCRETION SAVES LIVES: QUICK CLEANS AND ‘HOTEL QUARANTINE’ IN NIAMEY Understanding fear of stigma is essential in the battle against coronavirus in Niger’s capital.

It feels strange to cover the coronavirus crisis are at increased risk of malnutrition because in Niger. Everyday life is taking its normal of the pandemic. course, but you sense a strangeness in the air. It is manifested in the neighbourhoods, Niger has registered more than 1,100 in the space between people. In a society Covid-19 cases since mid-March. The where physical contact is part of the fabric of government took measures to prevent the things, social distancing remains a challenge. spread of the virus and to raise awareness. However, the country’s healthcare system is Most of our humanitarian colleagues have already at breaking point. never been in a crisis like it, and only the In Niamey’s most seasoned recognise it. “I have been We arrive at gate 237. When we make « through more than four cholera outbreaks, a house visit we don’t know who will be overcrowded and also worked during the Ebola crisis in there, what they do, or where they come 2014. But this is a pandemic, and those are from. Protocol only allows us to access that neighbourhoods, bigger words,” says Alama Keita, water, information at the door, and to accompany everyone knows each sanitation and hygiene officer at Unicef the Nigerien Red Cross teams to disinfect Niger, as we drive to the home of someone the house. other. If someone who has tested positive for the virus in tests positive, the Niamey, Niger’s capital. The family have allowed their house to be disinfected from top to bottom, something neighbourhood will Keita has been working with Unicef to people are increasingly reluctant to do. soon know. The prevent cholera since 2011. He is currently They’re also not always willing to accept responsible for prevention of the disease in “dignified” burials organised by health coronavirus has the Lake Chad region, but he’s now helping officials. Fear of stigma by the community is disrupted many lives, the coronavirus response. He’s supporting greater than fear of the virus. In Niger, family the Nigerien government and partners reputation is the basis of community life. and has changed how on the ground in coordinating preventive many communities deal measures, community engagement, supplies In Niamey’s overcrowded neighbourhoods, and healthcare provision to mitigate the everyone knows each other. If someone tests with death. impact of the pandemic on children and positive, the neighbourhood will soon know. women across the country. Children risk The coronavirus has disrupted many lives, missing out on life-saving vaccinations, and and has changed how many communities » deal with death.

12 In Islam, burial ceremonies are sacred the coronavirus outbreak. “I prefer to moments, often attended by hundreds of contribute with my colleagues to this fight, mourners. Customarily, the corpse is first rather than to stay at home and see people wrapped in a shroud and placed on a mat dying in my town,” he says. made of palm leaves facing Mecca, then buried as soon as possible after the death. One of the oldest and most famous hotels In many cases, tradition has led families to in Niamey has become known as “Hotel refuse to call an ambulance to retrieve virus Quarantine”. The scene from the lobby victims. is eery. The red carpet leading us inside does not shine as usual. The metal detector Discretion is essential to execute quick and at the entrance has stopped beeping. effective action that can save lives, and avoid Two volunteers in protective gear await, more contagion in the neighbourhood. We sprinkler in hand, to disinfect our shoes. accompany two Red Cross volunteers and Next to them are two national police watch as they put on their protective suits, officers with tired faces, and a doctor who «Children and women reload their chlorine sprinklers and give each greets us with a wide smile. are the most vulnerable other a fist bump before going in. We follow the volunteers up to the first to this pandemic. As they enter, a little girl stares at the floor. One of five levels that accommodates For them we must masked men in disbelief. Her mother up to 70 suspected cases of coronavirus. welcomes us with a shy smile. However, Rubbish bags filled with contaminated continue. We have to seconds later she breaks out into sobs, material wait in front of each room. We work and pray. grasping her baby. A neighbour looks walk down the dimly lit corridor. over the wall and observes the scene. The sprinklers spitting chlorine on each object of We peer inside one of the rooms, where the humble house is the only other sound. the medical team are praying. A moment of » reprieve before they get back to work. In less than five minutes, the job is done and we must leave. There is no time for We leave with a deep appreciation for interviews, or photos, and hardly any time to the health officers, military and young thank the family for accepting our presence volunteers who risk their lives at this hotel in their home. in the Nigerian capital. A wave of heat hits us as we push the hotel doors open. Sweat Keita walks back to the woman. ‘‘Don’t be drips from our plastic gloves and masks. afraid. A team of psychologists will come this afternoon to speak with you. Your husband I say goodbye to Keita and I ask what he has tested positive for the coronavirus. But thinks of the situation. it doesn’t mean he is going to die. Inshallah. Let’s pray for him. This cleaning is to prevent “We have to continue,” he says. “Children more cases. Take the preventive measures and women are the most vulnerable to this seriously. Be strong. Goodbye.” pandemic. For them we must continue. We have to work and pray. Don’t forget to wash The volunteers disinfect each other, remove your clothes before going home.” their suits and return to the car. Mahamoud Moussa, who works in education, became a committed Red Cross volunteer after

One of the oldest and most famous hotels in Niamey has become known as “Hotel Quarantine”. © UNICEF Niger/2020/Haro

13 ‘‘I was really afraid because of the crowds – they are empowered, they act, and they that gathered. If this kind of gathering takes stand up for themselves and their loved place, coronavirus will continue. It will spread ones. They outline what they want most in our country. I see people not abiding by of all: a future – where they can choose the preventive rules.’’ – Esta Sanoussi, 15, education, work, dreams, and love. from the Maradi region of Niger. In the context of Generation Equality, In the last few months, our lives have been UNICEF aims to lift the voices of upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. For adolescent girls – although they might face girls around the world, this has meant facing many challenges during COVID-19, they increasing threats to their safety and well- are fearless, and they speak up. We need being, including harmful practices, violence, to make sure these girls are supported exploitation, abuse, neglect, social exclusion to become anything they want during and separation from caregivers and friends. COVID-19 and always. «Currently, many parents do not have a job and The closure of schools, health and protection UNICEF calls on governments and services to contain the spread of COVID-19 policymakers to: money for school fees. leaves girls even more vulnerable, extending So, they have started and intensifying the current crisis. While the • Acknowledge the increased vulnerability pandemic has received wide coverage, the of adolescent girls to harmful practices due planning to send their voices and stories of adolescent girls have to COVID-19 and consider girls in both often been missing, although they are and response and ‘building back better’ plans, children to work. In the will be heavily impacted. including ensuring girls’ access to quality case of girls, they may education and to legal, justice and health “Currently, many parents do not have a job services, including sexual and reproductive plan to marry them off and money for school fees. So, they have health and social protection at an early age. started planning to send their children to work. In the case of girls, they may plan to • Pay attention to especially vulnerable marry them off at an early age.” says Esta adolescent girls, such as those already » Sanoussi. married, widowed or divorced, adolescent mothers, and girls who have undergone For five weeks between May and June 2020, female genital mutilation UNICEF collaborated with adolescent girls from nine countries – including Niger, asking • Ensure girls’ needs and vulnerabilities are them to share their lives through the lens captured in data- and evidence-generation of their mobile phones. We asked them to during and after the pandemic capture their ‘new normal’ and share their thoughts, ideas and beliefs on COVID-19 • Ensure adolescent girls’ voices are heard, and other issues in their lives. through platforms to express themselves and consider their thoughts and ideas in Launching on 24 July, “Coping with policies and programmes that affect their COVID-19” is a five-part series – with a new lives. episode launching each Friday – in which we will meet a group of adolescent girls from “The government must give young women South Asia and West and Southern Africa the freedom to blossom within the society, who show that adolescent girls have a voice, respect girls, and register them in schools they just need a platform to speak. This to build a better and more prosperous platform gives them a chance to be heard world” says Esta Sanoussi.

14 SUPPORTING COUNTRY’S EFFORTS TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCIES IN NIGER

Before the pandemic, already 3 million people - more than half children - were in need of humanitarian assistance in Niger.

The United Nations Central Emergency host, displaced and refugee communities Response Fund (CERF) has allocated more will have access to socio-recreational and than US$ 5 million this year to UNICEF to psychosocial support activities in child- support the country’s efforts to respond to friendly spaces. emergencies, including those related to the current Covid-19 crisis. An additional US $ 2 million will support an emergency rapid response for access Before the pandemic, already 3 million to water, sanitation and hygiene services, people, more than half children in Niger - quality education for children and were in need of humanitarian assistance, assistance in emergency shelters for the amid the risks posed by insecurity, recently displaced populations in the malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics regions of , Diffa and Tillabéri. and outbreaks, cyclical floods, droughts and displacement. More than 21,000 displaced people will thus have access to safe and dignified «We are deeply grateful ’’The COVID-19 outbreak is creating shelter solutions in the Tillabéri, Tahoua significant additional pressure and and Diffa regions; 19,000 displaced people for this additional exacerbating vulnerabilities in affected will have access to drinking water, hygiene support from CERF, populations. Actions taken to contain the and sanitation in Tillabéri; and more than spread of the coronavirus have slowed down 6,500 school-age children will have access which came at a critical the delivery of humanitarian assistance to quality inclusive education in Tillabéri time for the survival, and social services for children’s care and and Tahoua. protection in the country” explained Dr. development and Félicité Tchibindat, UNICEF Representative Finally, a tranche of US $ 700,000 has been protection of children in Niger. allocated to support the current response to the Covid-19 pandemic - and will cover in Niger CERF has allocated US$ 2.2 million to activities carried out within the framework accelerate humanitarian responses in the of health, infection prevention and areas of nutrition, education, child protection control as well as risk communication and » and access to drinking water and sanitation community engagement. services for displaced populations and host communities in the regions of Tahoua, ‘‘Now more than ever is the time for global Tillabéri and . solidarity. The costs of the pandemic – combined with the shocks related to the More than 20,000 children under the age of humanitarian situation - are immediate for five suffering from severe acute malnutrition children and, if unaddressed, may persist will be treated thanks to this support ; more throughout their lives. We are deeply than 6,000 school-age children will have grateful for this additional support from access to quality education in a safe and CERF, which came at a critical time for the protective environment; more than 4,900 survival, development and protection of people will have access to drinking water children in Niger’’ concluded Dr. Félicité and sanitation; and 3,750 children from the Tchibindat.

Before the pandemic, already 3 million people, more than half children in Niger - were in need of humanitarian assistance, amid the risks posed by insecurity, malnutrition, recurrent disease epidemics and outbreaks, cyclical floods, droughts and displacement.

© UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane

15 UNICEF supports the regular disinfection of health centers, isolation and treatment centers, and public infrastructures at risk of infection © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane

CHINA DONATES US$ 1 MILLION TO IMPROVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN NIGER

The Government of China donated US$ 1 ‘‘Because most child deaths occur at million to accelerate UNICEF’s efforts to home, before reaching health facilities, improve maternal and child health in the preventing fatalities by improving child country. Niger is among the eight African health through community health workers countries benefiting from this funding is crucial,” said Dr. Félicité Tchibindat, support, which is part of the China’s South- UNICEF Representative in Niger. “This South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF). new funding support will help us extend our work with community health workers “China places maternal and child health to provide children with quality promotive China places in the heart of its economic and social and preventive care, as well as curative maternal and child development. Through this support, services against life-threatening diseases China reaffirms its engagement to actively like , pneumonia and diarrhea.” health in the heart contribute to the improvement of women and children’s health in the country” said Through this funding, UNICEF will support of its economic and H.E. Zhang Lijun, Ambassador of the the implementation of the Community- social development. People’s Republic of China to Niger. Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (ICCM) approach in seven districts of Through this support, Fully aligned with the strategic plan of the Tahoua and improve the quality of maternal China reaffirms its Ministry of Health, this funding support will and new-born care in 51 integrated health accelerate the Government’s efforts towards centers in the same region. More than engagement to actively the universal health coverage. 260,000 children and 96,000 women and contribute to the mothers living far from health facilities will Today, children in Niger have a greater be benefited from this project. improvement of women chance of reaching their fifth birthday than and children’s health in ever before. Child deaths have declined by In 2019, through the Community Integrated a half over the past decades, a significant Management of Childhood Illness the country victory for children and women. However, approach, community health workers have progress is slowed because less than half managed to treat thousands of cases of of the population is found without access malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia nationally. to essential care and only four women in Introduced in Niger since 2013, the country ten give birth with the help of qualified has scaled-up the approach with UNICEF personnel. support. It covers now a total of 38 districts compared to 28 districts in 2018.

16 CHILDREN BEHIND BARS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW IN NIGER

To mark the commemoration of the Day of © UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane African Child, Government, UNICEF and Civil Society delegates paid a visit to the detention center of Niamey, where they had the opportunity to see firsthand the reality of children in detention in the country.

This year, Niger celebrated the day in a completely different setting, far from folklore. This year’s theme reflects on «Access to a Child-Friendly Justice System in Africa”.

“Today, we want to draw attention to the importance of protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law, highlighting in particular the importance of access to a child-friendly justice system in the country” says Ms. Elback Zeinabou Tari Bako, Niger’s Minister of Women Promotion and Child Protection. “Much has been achieved, but much more needs to be done.” ‘‘Alternative sanctions are generally far less costly than sanctions involving The country accounts more than 500 imprisonment. Locking up children on detained children. Most of them have juvenile or criminal charges must be a not been on trial and/or sentenced. Only matter of last resort,’’ explains Nani Soly a minority receive a custodial sentence, Aboubacar, Juvenile Judge, based in suggesting that pre-trial detention is Niamey. regularly used as a sanction, in violation of the right to be considered innocent until ‘‘Along with our partner Swiss Contact, we proven guilty. are trying to establish genuine alternatives to detention and ensure that those The rights of children “Whatever the numbers, there are several « children who must be detained are held reasons why many children should not be to protection, safety in humane conditions and benefit from locked up. Detention takes an enormous schooling, health services, recreational toll on children” says Dr Félicité Tchibindat, and wellbeing must be opportunities, and contact with the outside UNICEF Representative in Niger. world,’’ explains Guillemette Launoy, Head upheld at all times, even of the NGO Grandir Dignement. ‘‘The “Putting children behind bars and separating and especially during center in Niamey is now equipped with them from their families and communities a health center, recreational spaces and crises like the one the seriously damages their physical, mental runs education and vocational training and social development. Detention leads world faces today. The activities.’’ to lifelong stigmatisation which hampers best way to uphold reintegration of children into communities.” UNICEF, along with partners, has the rights of detained committed itself to supporting efforts to UNICEF lauds the Government’s increased improve justice for children in Niger and children amidst a efforts to strengthen the institutional support the establishment of child sensitive framework for child protection in Niger. dangerous pandemic is courts and police procedures that give Recent years have seen some positive primary consideration to a child’s right to their safe release. developments in the treatment of children, protection. including those who must be detained. Every year, the Day of the African Child The Government, with UNICEF and partners is celebrated annually on 16 June » support, is currently strengthening the justice and commemorates the thousands of mechanisms to operate in the best interest courageous children in Soweto, South of the child and promoting alternatives Africa who marched in 1976 to protest to detention, that give the children an apartheid and to demand equal education. opportunity to prove their positive capacity The children’s legacy – hundreds of whom and qualities and tackle guilt feelings in a were wounded or killed – continues to build constructive way. a better future for African children.

17 Thank You! UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. UNICEF would not be able to deliver critical response to the Covid-19 pandemic without the sustained commitment, efforts, and the generous contributions received from committed partners. We thank all our funding partners for their support and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure a better future for all children in Niger.

© UNICEF Niger/2020/Islamane

DIRECTED BY

FÉLICITÉ TCHIBINDAT Representative

ILARIA CARNEVALI Deputy Representative

REDACTION TEAM

LALAINA FATRATRA ANDRIAMASINORO Chief of Communication

JUAN HARO SIMARRO Communication Specialist

MATTI DAN MALLAM ADAMOU Communication Officer

BINTA SALEY SOULEY Communication Officer

ISLAMANE ABDOU SOUMAILA Communication Officer

WITH THE CONTRIBUTION OF

UNICEF COVID-19 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

© UNICEF Niger/2020/Haro

UNICEF NIGER 2, Rue des Oasis www.unicef.org/niger Quartier Ancien Plateau PO Box. 12481 Niamey, Niger Tél: + 227 20 72 71 00 Fasc : + 227 20 73 34 68 E-mail : [email protected] Web: www.unicef.org/niger