Partnerships for Health: Lessons from Niger’s Fight Against River Blindness 

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Jalene Jacobs

Niger has made history. After decades of dedicated efforts, the country has become the first in Africa and 5th globally (joining Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico) to successfully eliminate river blindness which is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus (O. volvulus).

Onchocerciasis, as it is formally known, is a debilitating disease of the eye and skin that once robbed thousands of people of their sight, livelihoods, and quality of life. Therefore, this triumphant achievement marks a major victory not only for Niger, but for global public health efforts aimed at eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). River blindness is only one of 21 known NTDs affecting over one billion people worldwide. 

A powerful and replicable model of collaboration is at the heart of Niger’s success. This achievement saw governments, international organizations, researchers, and communities working together to combat a disease that requires community treatment that is equivalent to the lifespan of the adult O. volvulus in order to eliminate transmission. That is, treatment spanning a minimum of 10 to15 years. Niger’s journey offers key lessons on how global partnerships, combined with sustainable health interventions like clean water access, can bring life-changing results.

How Niger Eliminated River Blindness

River blindness is caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through the blackfly which thrives in areas with fast-flowing rivers. The disease leads to severe itching, skin disfigurement, and irreversible blindness. Historically, it devastated entire communities, leaving individuals unable to work or support their families. Niger’s success story is a testament to persistent and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors.

Some key success highlights include:

1. Mass Drug Administration (MDA)


Onchocerciasis vaccine under research.

The large-scale distribution of Ivermectin, a medication that kills the parasite, played a crucial role. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Carter Center, the Gates Foundation and the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control ensured consistent drug access. The documented cost of treatment is less than US $0.50 per person.
2. Community Health Initiatives
Local health workers were trained to distribute treatments effectively and educate people about prevention. Such grass root efforts helped to increase compliance and community engagement, along with the participation of community volunteers.

3. Strong Government Commitment
Niger’s leadership remained steadfast in prioritizing NTD elimination, ensuring policies and resources aligned with this goal. These included the use of costly helicopter services and various insecticides for larvicide treatments to target hard to reach areas and the rivers of Southwest Niger. Such efforts reduced disease prevalence to almost zero.

4. International Support
Lastly, international funding, research, and scientific support from global partners helped track progress and design results-driven strategies.

The Role of Clean Water in Preventing Neglected Tropical Diseases

While medical treatment was key, other crucial factors in combating river blindness and other NTDs are clean water, improved sanitation and sustainable intervention strategies.

Investing in clean water infrastructure can reduce breeding grounds for disease and reduce exposure to these vectors. Blackflies, the insects that spread river blindness, thrive near contaminated water sources.

Additionally, many NTDs including trachoma (another leading cause of blindness) are closely linked to poor hygiene. Access to clean water for hand washing, cooking and bathing is vital in preventing disease transmission by breaking the cycle of infection.

Lastly, by empowering communities with access to clean water, residents can experience better overall health, increased economic opportunities and improved school attendance for children. This has been a proven and sustainable path to development.

At Wells Bring Hope, we recognize that clean water is not just a basic necessity, but a transformative tool for public health. By drilling wells and providing safe water access in Niger and neighboring countries, we are helping to build resilient communities that are less vulnerable to NTDs and other preventable diseases.

Lessons from Niger

Niger’s elimination of river blindness is a remarkable public health milestone, but the work is far from over. Millions of people worldwide still suffer from NTDs due to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access.

This victory should serve as a blueprint for future global health initiatives, with emphasis placed on strengthening international collaboration for the implementation of elimination programs. Additionally, ensuring that communities have access to safe water will reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Furthermore, supporting community-led health programs will empower local health workers and educate communities for long-term impact.

By combining medical interventions, sustainable clean water solutions, and strong global partnerships, we can move closer to eliminating preventable diseases and transforming lives. Niger has proven that with commitment, innovation, and collaboration, a world free of NTDs is possible.

At Wells Bring Hope, we are proud to be part of the solution, working every day to bring clean water, health, and hope to those who need it most.

Source

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/nigers-historic-triumph-over-river-blindness-is-a-beacon-of

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/a-historic-milestone!-who-verifies-niger-free-of-onchocerciasis-as-the-first-country-on-the-african-continent

https://www.who.int/news/item/30-01-2025-who-verifies-niger-as-the-first-country-in-the-african-region-to-eliminate-onchocerciasis

We’ve Expanded to Mali!

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By Barbara Goldberg and Kate Cusimano

After 17 years of working only in Niger, we are excited to announce that Wells Bring Hope is expanding! At the suggestion of our longtime partner, World Vision, we have started working in Mali, Niger’s neighbor to the west. We kicked off this new effort by funding 24 solar-powered mechanized water projects in Mali in December of last year.

Why Mali?

While the need is still great in Niger, we’ve made tremendous progress there, and Mali can use our help. Out of 193 countries on the U.N. Development Index, Mali ranks 188, followed closely by Niger and Chad, tied for 189.

Mali’s statistics are grim:

  • 44.7% of the population in Mali is in severe multi-dimensional poverty, with another 15.3% described as vulnerable to it.
  • Life expectancy at birth is 59.4 years
  • The average Malian receives just seven years of education
  • Maternal mortality is high – 440 deaths per 100,000 live births

We felt confident expanding our efforts because we know how outstanding the World Vision Mali team is. In fact, it is headed up by Mamane Amadou, the man we first worked with when we started in Niger.

Mali is not entirely new to us. Our first solar water project was drilled in the village of Nonsombougou, Mali in 2012.

Like Niger, Mali is fascinating country with rich cultural traditions, and we look forward to introducing you to the nation and its people as we continue our work of saving lives with safe water in West Africa. We look forward to this renewed relationship and anticipate as much success in Mali as we’ve had in Niger.

‘More than a Game’ – Healing Through Sports

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By Jalene Jacob

Youth who once appeared withdrawn and distrustful are now engaging with peers, laughing on the field, and setting goals for the future. That’s the power of sports and community.

In a dusty corner of Niger, a country at the crossroads of migration routes, a groundbreaking initiative is quietly changing lives. A sports center is providing more than just a place to play games; it’s offering hope, healing, and the foundation for a brighter future for vulnerable youth.

Wikimedia commons

Life as a Refugee

Niger has long been a host to refugees and migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and persecution in the Sahel region and beyond. Many of these individuals, particularly young people, arrive with physical and emotional scars from their tumultuous journeys. Forced to abandon their homes, these youth endure harrowing experiences, including violence and exploitation, often leaving them with profound trauma.

For many, the daily grind for survival exacerbates feelings of hopelessness, with little opportunity for education or personal growth.

The Healing Power of Sports

Sports have a universal power to unite and inspire. The sports center in Niger harnesses this power, providing vulnerable youth with a safe space to rediscover joy, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.

Here, football (soccer) and other team sports are more than mere recreational activities. They serve as therapy, helping participants process their trauma and regain a sense of normalcy. Through structured programs, young refugees learn teamwork, discipline, and communication, all skills they can carry into their personal and professional lives.

The center provides mentorship and psychological support. Coaches and counselors are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and offer guidance, fostering an environment where youth can rebuild their confidence and self-worth.

The Transformative Power of Sports

The sports center has already begun to transform lives. Many have expressed how the program has given them a renewed sense of purpose. In addition to individual benefits, the initiative promotes social cohesion. By bringing together refugees, migrants, and local Nigerien youth, the center fosters mutual understanding and reduces tensions in a region often strained by the influx of displaced populations.

It’s ‘More Than a Game.’

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the playing field. Empowered youth are more likely to pursue education and vocational training, contributing positively to their communities. As they heal and grow, they become ambassadors of resilience, inspiring others in their camp and beyond.

The center in Niger is a testament to the transformative power of sports. For vulnerable youth, it is a lifeline, a place where they can heal from the past, embrace the present, and dream of a brighter future.

In a world where conflict and displacement continue to uproot lives, initiatives like this remind us that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with something as simple as a game.

Sources

https://www.fondazionemilan.org/en/fondazione-milan-and-unhcr-together-in-niger

https://www.unhcr.org/us/about-unhcr/our-partners/sport-partners/unhcr-sport-strategy-2022-2026

https://www.voanews.com/amp/thousands-of-migrants-stranded-in-niger-because-of-border-closures/7237534.html

https://rodakar.iom.int/news/iom-niger-adds-culture-sport-migrant-outreach-campaign-agadez

https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/20790/sports-center-for-migrants-inaugurated-in-niger

https://www.unhcr.org/us/media/unhcr-sport-strategy-more-game

The Tuareg Struggle: Climate, Conflict, and Cultural Loss

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By Manvitha Prasad Kathula

The Tuareg are a nomadic Berber people who have roamed the vast Sahara Desert for centuries, known for their resilience, rich culture, and distinct identity. They inhabit areas across Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. Their society is typically feudal and has a matrilineal system of inheritance. With a population of around 1 to 1.5 million, they predominantly practice Islam.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tuareg_area.png

Adapted to the harsh desert climate, the Tuareg lead a lifestyle centered on livestock herding and trade. They live in camps of 50 to 150 individuals, residing in tents made from wooden poles covered with red-dyed goat hide. In the rainy season, they relocate every three to four days to find lush pastures for their livestock. During the dry season, they frequently move in search of water but tend to remain within their ancestral home territory, land inherited through generations.

The Tuareg speak Tamasheq, a language closely tied to North African nomadic traditions, and use Tifinar, an ancient script related to Libyan writing, for literacy. They are known for their art, which primarily includes metalwork, such as silver jewelry, leatherwork for items like boxes and camel saddles, and intricate woodworking. Music is also very important to the Tuareg, and their traditional instruments include the anzad(a bowed, one-stringed lute) and the tende drum.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amulet_necklace,_Tuareg_peoples,_Algeria,_Niger,_or_Mali,_20th_century,_brass,_copper,_tin,_leather_-_Fernbank_Museum_of_Natural_History_-_DSC00105.JPG

Despite their rich cultural heritage, the “Blue People of the Sahara” face significant challenges in the modern world that threaten their traditional way of life.

​​

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tuareg_-_In_Rissani_Morocco_ca._2008.JPG

Political Instability and Conflict

The Tuareg people in Mali and Niger have long faced challenges due to political instability, as they seek greater autonomy and control over their cultural lands. Their demands for self-governance have led to repeated tensions with central governments, often resulting in violent clashes and military crackdowns. This conflict has displaced many Tuareg communities, disrupting their traditional, nomadic way of life. Additionally, extremist groups in the Sahel region create further insecurity, making it difficult for the Tuareg to move freely across the desert.

Climate Change and Environmental Pressures

Rising temperatures, severe drought, and desertification threaten essential resources like water, grazing land, and livestock, which are central to Tuareg livelihood. As a result, many Tuareg are forced to migrate to cities, seeking alternative ways to support themselves. This shift disrupts their traditional culture and community structure, as urban life does not support the nomadic practices central to Tuareg identity. Environmental pressures thus make it increasingly difficult for the Tuareg to sustain their way of life.

Economic Hardships and Marginalization

Historically, the Tuareg have been excluded from political and economic power, which has led to limited access to basic services like education, healthcare, and employment. Most Tuareg communities live in remote and underdeveloped areas, far from the economic centers of the country. In some cases, Tuareg families are forced to move to urban areas in search of work. However, even in cities, they often face discrimination and struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs. Without the education or skills that are in demand in the modern economy, many Tuareg find themselves working in low-paying, informal jobs or unable to secure employment at all.

Cultural Erosion

As traditional nomadic lifestyles become increasingly difficult due to climate change, political instability, and economic hardships. This shift disrupts their cultural practices, such as herding, trading, and the passing down of oral traditions. In cities, Tuareg people are exposed to different ways of life, which often leads to younger generations moving away from traditional values, language, and customs. The rise of modern education and technology also presents challenges. While these developments bring new opportunities, they can sometimes clash with Tuareg traditions.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Esprit_nomade.JPG

Despite the challenges of climate change, political instability, and cultural erosion, the Tuareg people are finding ways to adapt and preserve their heritage. They are preserving their language and traditions through education and cultural festivals. With help from groups like the World Monuments Fund and Wells Bring Hope, they are improving access to water and finding better ways to farm in the desert. Efforts to build peace and work with governments are also helping the Tuareg secure more rights and stability for their communities

Sources

https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/tuareg/who.html

https://hir.harvard.edu/desert-blues

https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/tuareg-migration-critical-component-crisis-sahelhttps://bridgesfrombamako.com/2013/02/25/understanding-malis-tuareg-problem/

How Niger’s Political Landscape is Evolving to Address the Climate Crisis

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By Job Bolloh

Once a beacon of a vibrant cultural heritage, Niger now grapples with existential challenges that are threatening to dim its light. In the midst of political and security challenges, including worsening climate impacts, Niger is pushing forward with climate resilience initiatives to protect its agriculture-dependent population from climate-related food insecurity and resource scarcity. However, political stability and availability of resources remain key factors for success. 

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Camels grazing in Niger’s arid landscape symbolize the nation’s reliance on livestock with worsening droughts due to climate change. Source: onmyeye1

The political architecture in Niger is defined by challenges related to security, governance, and frequent military coups, the last one occurring in 2023. The government has struggled with insecurity from insurgent groups, particularly in areas bordering Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. Despite the challenges, Niger’s government has demonstrated its commitment to economic and social development, though implementation has been limited by political instability and limited resources. 

Meanwhile, the Sahel region is experiencing rapid temperature rise, 1.5 times faster than other parts of the planet. If nothing is done, experts predict that temperatures in the region will rise by three to six degrees by 2100, threatening food security, intensifying water scarcity, and worsening conflicts and humanitarian crises. 

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Incessant droughts continue to dry up water sources across the Sahel. Source: Berit Burton

Almost all of Niger’s population is reliant on agriculture, yet climate variability limits agricultural production, mostly affecting small-scale farmers. In response, Niger has implemented policies and initiatives aimed at addressing climate-related issues, often with support from international organizations. These key policies and actions include:

National Adaptation Plan (NAP)

The key mandate of the NAP is to ensure resilience to climate impacts because it recognizes that climate change is one of the major causes of poverty and food insecurity. The current NAP prioritizes wetlands, forestry, transport, health, and livestock sectors. 

Kids in Garden_reduced

Children in Niger proudly display fresh green vegetables from their community garden, an initiative supporting food security and resilience against climate change impact

The plan stresses developing pastoral areas and improving animal feed banks, crucial during droughts when animal fodder is limited. It highlights actions that should be taken to train medical staff and healthcare personnel to deal with climatic diseases such as malaria, malnutrition, and meningitis. The NAP also stresses gender considerations, calling for increasing women’s ownership of cattle, which can be a form of savings and is important for increasing households’ economic resilience.  

Climate Smart Agriculture

The “Nigeriens Nourishing Nigeriens” (3N) initiative recognizes that the country has a fast-growing population with an increased demand for food. Thus, it aims to fight poverty and hunger while strengthening herders’ and farmers’ resilience to climate change. 

Thousands of Nigerien farmers have already benefited from the distribution of drought-resistant seeds, livestock feed, and fertilizers, as well as other sustainable land management practices and coaching. Climate Smart Agriculture Support Project (PASEC) has managed to pilot innovative farming techniques enabling the rehabilitation of degraded land.

Data-driven Energy Transition

Niger recognizes that energy is both an issue of climate action and national development. Generally, the country has low energy consumption, but this energy is derived from fossil fuels, which leads to the overexploitation of wood resources and an increase in greenhouse emissions. Niger relies on thermal power plants and imports the remainder from Nigeria. However, only 20 percent of its population has access to electricity.

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Deforestation is a huge problem in Niger as people use wood as the main source of domestic energy. Source: Canadian Foodgrains Bank

The government recognizes that data is a powerful tool for helping Niger realize its climate development objectives. Energy data is used to direct government action, monitor progress against national objectives, analyze the effectiveness of policies, and ultimately attract crucial investments.

Niger’s resilience to climate challenges is structured on adaptive policies such as the NAP, 3N initiatives, and data-driven energy approaches. However, these efforts can only be sustained through political stability, availability of resources, and international support amidst severe climate and security threats. 

Sources

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/10/20/this-is-how-niger-is-battling-climate-change

https://www.preventionweb.net/news/nigers-national-adaptation-plan-presents-its-path-climate-resilience

https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P125669

Why Water Matters More Than You Think

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By Savira Oktari

Water it’s not just the essence of life, it’s the key to unlocking human potential. Yet, in a world where many of us take clean water for granted, its true value often goes unrecognized. The impact of water extends far beyond quenching thirst to playing a crucial role in global health, education, gender equality, and economic development.
Imagine walking six hours every day just to collect water – water that might make you sick. For millions in Niger, this isn’t imagination; it’s reality. Clean water, however, transcends mere survival or disease prevention. It acts as a hidden powerhouse, silently shaping the future of entire communities.

Let’s examine some startling facts:

  • Globally, 1 in 4 people lack access to safely managed drinking water. In Niger, only 50% of the population has access to basic drinking water services.
  • The average person in rural Niger uses just 5-10 liters of water per day, compared to 300-380 liters used daily by the average American.

These facts barely scratch the surface of water’s profound impact. In Niger and beyond, clean water isn’t just about survival – it’s a catalyst for change that touches every aspect of life.

Let’s dive deeper into why water matters more than you might think, exploring its surprising connections to health, education, gender equality, and economic development.

Health is the foundation of everything

Clean water is the cornerstone of good health. In Niger, waterborne diseases are a leading cause of death, especially among children. By providing access to clean water, we can reduce the incidence of diseases like cholera and dysentery, improve sanitation and hygiene practices, and enhance nutrition as clean water is used for cooking and growing food.

Education unlocks potential

When children, especially girls, don’t have to spend hours fetching water, school attendance rates soar. With more time to study and less time spent sick, academic performance improves. Clean water at schools means better hygiene, keeping more students healthy and in class.

Women’s empowerment breaks the cycle

In Niger, women and girls bear the primary responsibility for water collection, often spending up to 6 hours a day. By bringing clean water closer to home, women gain time for education, and income-generating activities, while girls can attend school regularly, helping break the cycle of poverty.

Economic developments lift all

Access to clean water can kickstart economic growth through improved agriculture, time saved for small business, and reduced healthcare costs. When we invest in water, we invest in the economic future of entire communities.

Every drop counts

A single water source can transform a village. Clean water isn’t just about survival – it’s about thriving. It’s about health, education, empowerment, and economic growth. It’s about giving people the foundation they need to build better lives.

When it comes to clean water, the impact goes far deeper than the wells that Wells Bring Hope drills. Safe accessible water touches every aspect of life, creating ripples of change that can transform entire communities. So the next time you turn on your tap, take a moment to appreciate not just the water, but all the opportunities it represents.
Together, we can make every drop count.

Sources

Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020.

 Niger: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

 Summary Progress Update 2021: SDG 6 — water and sanitation for all.

 Niger Country Program Information.

Estimated Water Use in the United States in 2015.

 Drinking-water Fact Sheet.

Rising Temperatures and Food Security: Addressing the Agricultural Crisis in the Sahel

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By Tawanda Mukwekwezeke

Over the past century, Earth has experienced a significant rise in global temperatures, driven largely by human activity and environmental changes. The pace of warming has quickened dramatically in recent decades, with 2023 marking a new high as the warmest year on record, being 2.12°F above the 20th-century average. This remarkable heat reflects the broader trend of rising temperatures, which have had widespread effects on ecosystems, weather patterns, and global health. The last decade has seen the warmest years in recorded history, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. These shifts highlight the growing challenges we face in managing the impacts of a rapidly warming planet.

Climate change affects people’s lives in poor regions like Niger, as the availability of usable land goes down and water sources become less reliable. Niger is located in the middle of the Sahel, and climate change is even worse in this area, where the temperatures are rising 1.5 times faster than in any other place.

Additionally, climate change has exacerbated flooding during Niger’s rainy season, which usually lasts from May to October. This year’s floods are especially devasting. Several hundred Nigeriens have died and more than 350,000 people have been displaced. Crops have been ruined and livestock have died.

 Climate change has a particularly severe impact on agriculture in Niger. Over 80% of Nigeriens depend on agriculture for their livelihood—a livelihood that is being severely threatened by climate change. An arid country to begin with, Niger is far from ideal for raising crops or livestock. And now it’s facing the additional challenges that climate change brings about, such as:

  •    Soaring temperatures
  •     Erratic rainfall patterns which lead to increased drought and flooding
  •     Drying of rivers and other water sources
  •     Poor soil quality due to erosion

Niger Is Resilient

Fortunately, even with all the difficulties intensified by climate change, Niger’s people are resilient and are constantly working to stay ahead of the potentially devastating effects of global warming. Local community organizations plus various nonprofit groups are strengthening Niger’s resilience in a number of ways:

Climate Smart Agriculture Practices: Utilizing drought resistant seeds and fertilizers, plus implementing micro-irrigation and solar-powered drip irrigation systems that increase crop return by up to 40% while reducing water use.

Creating Food Stores: Filling warehouses with non-perishables like cereals and grains and building small dairy processing facilities so communities have more resources when food is scarce.

Diversifying Income: Training people, especially women, to run small businesses such as creating and selling crafts or trading small goods at market to decrease reliance on agricultural income.

Education/Empowerment: teaching Nigeriens about climate smart practices and providing the resources needed to fight climate change.

Access to Clean Water: Wells Bring Hope and others drill wells to provide access to clean water for drinking and hygiene.

Nigeriens continue to learn and implement climate smart practices, helping to build a brighter future for themselves. By working together to fight climate change, Nigerien communities provide an inspiring example of how progress can be achieved.

Sources

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/microirrigation#:~:text=Microirrigation%20is%20a%20low%2Dpressure,the%20root%20zone%20of%20plants

https://www.care-international.org/news/niger-devastating-floods-displace-over-350000-people


Clean Water: Unlocking Education for Girls

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By Job Bolloh

Did you know that more than 80 percent of people in Niger live in rural areas, and about three-quarters of them lack access to clean drinking water? Unfortunately, women and girls bear the heaviest brunt of this water scarcity.

Women and girls are usually forced to walk for several hours just to fetch water from contaminated wells or rivers. These treacherous trips make it less likely for girls to go to school.

The Connection Between Water and Education

Access to clean water and education are two critical essentials for human development. They may appear distinct, but these two aspects of life have an intrinsic connection. These two are like the magic wands that people need to will their future back into their hands.

In fact, by the time kids clear school, they will have unlimited opportunities. However, this is only possible when clean water is accessible, particularly for young girls. Unfortunately, evidence links menstruation to girls dropping out of school. Such aspects stress the need for clean water access even more. But what exactly does clean water do for girls’ education?

  1. Clean Water Reduces School Absenteeism

Access to clean water lowers school absenteeism among girls. In most regions in Niger, children, mostly girls, are tasked with fetching water for their families. The task is physically demanding and time-consuming.

The task requires girls to walk long distances only to find contaminated rivers or wells. As such, contaminated water causes illness and 443 million lost school days per year worldwide. The availability of clean water sources in school lowers absentia and increased attendance results in increased future opportunities.

  1. Clean Water Improves Menstrual Hygiene and Health

UN Women Africa estimates that about 50 percent of the women in Niger practice poor menstrual hygiene. Insufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene items, especially in public spaces such as schools and health centers, create a huge barrier for women and girls.

There is a lack of sufficient separate toilets with doors that can be safely locked. Additionally, the absence of the means to get rid of used sanitary towels and water to clean hands puts women and girls at a challenge in maintaining their menstrual hygiene within a private, safe, and dignified setup.

  1. Clean Water Breaks the Gender Barrier

As earlier observed, girls experience a unique challenge in their attempt to access education. Their effort is hampered by household chores and fetching water, which limits their time for school.

Providing clean water and sanitation in schools will tear down this gender barrier. Evidence supports the idea that girls are more likely to attend school with access to clean water and sanitation. Just like education, water is an issue of gender equality.

In our effort to drill clean water wells across Niger, Wells Bring Hope recognizes the symbiotic relationship that exists between the availability of clean water and the education of girls. Improving one unlocks the other, resulting in a flood of opportunities for women and girls. The increased access to clean water results in healthier, more prosperous communities with more time to spare for economic activities rather than fetching water.

Sources

https://africa.unwomen.org/en/menstrual-hygiene-management-in-niger-from-silence-to-empowerment

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/how-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-contribute-girls-education-tanzania

https://www.unicef.org/wca/stories/easy-access-water-promotes-school-attendance-nigeria

https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/142116/cs-wash-improving-education-niger-130911-en.pdf;jsessionid=3D0ACEA78B15C97DABF6A3098723DF6B?sequence=1

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2024/01/19/breaking-barriers-empowering-girls-with-clean-water-and-sanitation-facilities-in-ethiopia-s-schools#:~:text=Ensuring%20access%20to%20clean%20water,of%20keeping%20girls%20in%20school.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13600818.2021.1965978

Wells Bring Hope’s Annual Fundraiser

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On Sunday, September 22nd , Wells Bring Hope’s founder and president Barbara Goldberg welcomed over 100 guests to the Club Room at Bel Air Crest.  The theme was “It’s Jazz Time,” featuring music by The Sam Graham Trio. With its cushy chairs and elegant décor, the lounge had a relaxed, laidback mood.

With perfect weather, guests enjoyed the huge outdoor terrace that overlooked the hills of Bel Air. The terrace was filled with auction tables, offering plenty of enticing things to buy, all donated by the Board, friends of WBH, and generous corporate partners.

The bar featured tantalizing martinis, and bartenders, Saul and Keith created great combinations of refreshing custom drinks using a variety of aguas frescas.  Red and white wines were once again donated by Le Vigne Winery, and we were happy to have owner, Sylvia Fillippini, in attendance to celebrate with us! Also enjoying the festivities were two of our event sponsor Greg and Becky Rang from Avitas Wealth Management.

Guests nibbled on delicious food from Edible 360. The many delicious bites included coconut shrimp, poke style ahi on a wanton crisp, creamy corn soup in a mini martini glass, and flank steak skewers.

With many newcomers in attendance, Founder and President, Barbara Goldberg told guests about our cause and what makes it worthy of their support. She also introduced its hard-working Board who did so much to make the event a success.

Our honoree this year was David Girard, a Board member and Director of Donor Development. So many of David’s friends and clients, his partner and fellow board member, Eduardo Robles, AND his big brother who flew in from Texas, were there to celebrate with him.

Auctioneer extraordinaire, Mark Shustrin, began his very lively, action-packed appeal in an effort to separate guests from their money! He kicked it off by auctioning a glass of water!! Marty Foley was the stand-up guy who paid $400 for it!!!

Guests got the chance to bid on some exciting travel packages including trips to Belize, Punta Mita, as well as a stay at the Hotel Carlyle in New York.  Nine auction items raised over $20,000 for WBH. Guests bid enthusiastically, and we had some very happy winners!

Guests showed up regally for Raise the Paddle, donating over $65,000 in that one effort. Mark’s enthusiasm and energy spurred donors on!  The evening climaxed with a Last Paddle Battle, and the lucky winner is looking forward to a two-night stay at Two Bunch Palms!

Thanks to all who came to support our effort to save lives with safe water, particularly our hard-working Board of Directors! Special thanks to Board members, Eduardo Robles and David Girard who went above and beyond to make this event a success. We also want to thank our very incredible volunteers without whom the event would not be possible and of course, our photographer Tatsu, who captured it all!

Special thanks to Marsha and Mark Hierbaum who got us the beautiful venue and especially to Marsha for her hard work coordinating it all with Bel Air Crest. Eduardo did a  magnificent job on the floral arrangements as always.  We were happy to have back Peggy Kelly of Timeless Celebrations to orchestrate it all for us!

Successful Meningitis Vaccination Campaign in Niger: A Milestone in Public Health

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By Omesh Prathiraja

Niger, a country often associated with health challenges, has made significant strides in combating infectious diseases through effective vaccination campaigns. One recent and noteworthy success is the meningitis vaccination campaign, which has had a profound impact on public health in the region.

Meningitis, particularly meningococcal meningitis, has been a persistent threat in Niger, especially during the dry season when outbreaks are more common. The disease, which causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, can lead to severe health complications and even death if not promptly treated. In sub-Saharan Africa’s “meningitis belt,” which includes Niger, periodic epidemics have historically resulted in high rates of infection and death.

In early 2024, Niger faced a rapid increase in meningitis cases, with a 50% rise compared to the previous year. By week 16 of 2024, Niger reported a total of 2,012 cases of meningitis with 123 deaths, representing a case-fatality rate of 6.1%. The Niamey region was the epicenter of this epidemic, with a cumulative attack rate of 52.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by the regions of Agadez, Zinder, and Dosso. In response to this critical situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) along with other collaborators, intensified their efforts with multiple interventions. On May 2, 2024, a vaccination campaign was launched in Niamey to curb the spread of the disease using a new vaccine that protects against five strains of meningitis (A, C, W, X, and Y).

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The campaign showed extensive community engagement and education efforts were undertaken to inform the public about the importance of vaccination and dispel any myths or fears associated with the vaccine. Local leaders, health workers, and volunteers played a crucial role in mobilizing communities. The campaign required a robust logistical framework to ensure the efficient distribution and administration of vaccines. To function properly, the vaccine needs to be maintained within a certain temperature range. Establishing a temperature-controlled supply chain was especially challenging in Niger’s remote and rural areas that have limited infrastructure. Trained healthcare workers and volunteers were deployed across the country to administer vaccines. Their dedication and tireless efforts were instrumental in reaching even the most isolated communities.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Impact & Outcome

The meningitis vaccination campaign has yielded remarkable results:

1. High Coverage Rates: The campaign achieved impressive vaccination coverage, significantly exceeding initial targets. This widespread immunization has drastically reduced the incidence of meningitis cases in the country.

2. Reduction in Cases and Deaths: The most tangible benefit has been the dramatic reduction in meningitis-related deaths and complications. Families and communities have been spared the grief and economic burden associated with meningitis outbreaks.

3. Strengthened Health Systems: The campaign has also strengthened Niger’s overall health system by improving vaccination infrastructure, enhancing the skills of healthcare workers, and fostering a culture of preventive healthcare.

Wells Bring Hope drills wells that provide clean water in Niger, which has significantly contributed to the overall health and well-being of communities. Access to clean water is crucial in preventing waterborne diseases, which can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to infections like meningitis. By providing safe drinking water and promoting hygiene practices, Wells Bring Hope has helped create a healthier environment, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and enhancing the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. The success of the meningitis vaccination campaign in Niger is a testament to what can be achieved through concerted efforts and international cooperation.

Sources:

  1. World Health Organization (WHO) – https://www.afro.who.int/countries/niger/news/meningitis-epidemic-who-niger-steps-response-efforts
  2. World Health Organization (WHO) – https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON439
  3. Africa News – https://www.africanews.com/2024/05/08/meningitis-urgent-vaccination-campaign-launched-in-niger/ 

UNICEF – https://www.unicef.org/appeals/niger