Niger

Malnourished Children & Disease

Growing up in Niger is an obstacle that many children find difficult to overcome.

Nearly a third of Nigeriens are undernourished and nearly half of the children under age 5 are underweight, according to the United Nations 2007/2008 Human Development Report (HDR).

With approximately 90 percent of the population surviving on agricultural means, erratic rainfall and other natural disasters constantly threaten the livelihoods of millions of Nigeriens.

As food supplies run dry, malnutrition spreads and susceptibility to disease multiplies.  Nigeriens are at “very high risk” of being infected with HIV/AIDS, waterborne diseases and other illnesses like malaria and hepatitis, according to the US Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook.

Realizing that prevention is the best cure, Islamic Relief has implemented Nutrition and Health projects in Niger, in addition to other initiatives meant not only to sustain the Nigeriens, but to educate them as well.

Islamic Relief also constructed healthcare clinics that provide medical aid to the locals and increase awareness with respect to disease prevention.

Despite international support, Islamic Relief requires more funding to maintain its presence on the ground in countries like Niger.

Please donate generously to ensure Islamic Relief’s work in places like Niger can realize it’s true potential.

Poverty

Niger ranks amongst the world’s poorest nations according to the Human Development Index (HDI).

Over 60 percent of Nigeriens live on less than $1 a day, more than 80 percent live on less than $2 a day and greater than 60 percent are living under the national poverty line, according to the HDR.  Illiteracy is also very common in Niger, which limits the potential of future generations and forces families deeper into poverty.

Islamic Relief is helping Nigeriens by constructing schools, providing vocational training and livelihood support to the local populations.

Islamic Relief in Niger

Islamic Relief began working in Niger in 2005, responding to a severe food shortage.

Field workers distributed food parcels to countless beneficiaries and medical attention was administered to malnourished children and elders.  After the initial emergency response, Islamic Relief initiated several development projects in Niger and constructed several community centers and healthcare clinics.

Today, Islamic Relief continues serving Niger’s people and collaborates with local organizations and NGOs to maximize the scope of its relief efforts.