Why Water Matters More Than You Think

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

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

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

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


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

Unlocking The Potential of Groundwater

By Manvitha Prasad Kathula

As the global climate undergoes significant changes, groundwater is becoming increasingly important. Groundwater, the water stored beneath the Earth’s surface, plays a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and providing drinking water for millions of people worldwide. However, this resource has been undervalued and overexploited, thus posing significant challenges to the availability and quality of groundwater resources.

Importance of Groundwater

Groundwater is often referred to as the “invisible” resource due to its hidden nature beneath the surface of the Earth; however, its importance cannot be overstated. According to the World Bank, groundwater accounts for 97% of the freshwater resources and supports the livelihoods of over 2 billion people across the world. It serves as an important source of drinking water in regions where surface water is scarce or contaminated. In addition, groundwater plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and driving economic development.

Depletion of Groundwater

Groundwater resources are facing increasing pressures, such as overexploitation, contamination, and depletion. Furthermore, unsustainable groundwater extraction practices, along with population growth, urbanization, and climate change, are driving the depletion of aquifers worldwide. In many regions, groundwater levels are declining at alarming rates, leading to water scarcity, land subsidence, and ecosystem degradation. Moreover, groundwater quality is also at risk because of pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities, therefore posing threats to human health and environmental sustainability.

Improving Groundwater Management

To address the challenges of groundwater depletion and contamination, the World Bank emphasizes the importance of implementing integrated and adaptive groundwater management strategies. These include–

•             Enhancing monitoring and data collection efforts to improve understanding of groundwater dynamics, quality trends, and vulnerability assessments.

•             Strengthening government frameworks and mechanisms to promote sustainable groundwater use and protection.

•             Encouraging the government, local communities, and corporations to collaborate, form partnerships, share knowledge, and mobilize resources to support initiatives.

By investing in innovative technologies, promoting efficient practices, and improving community participation, people can work together to safeguard groundwater resources and ensure water security for all

Wells Bring Hope supports this vital connection to groundwater by drilling wells and bringing clean water to communities in Niger, which has the more groundwater than any other area in the Sahel region. Our wells not only provide immediate relief but also highlight the importance of groundwater in sustaining life and fostering development.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/publication/seeing-the-invisible-a-strategic-report-on-groundwater-quality

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/06/14/the-hidden-wealth-of-nations-groundwater-s-critical-role-in-a-changing-climate

https://www.mcc.gov/blog/entry/blog-032223-niger-groundwater-rich-country/#:~:text=Groundbreaking%20Discovery,-Researchers%20conducted%20remote&text=This%20is%20nearly%20ten%20times,country%20in%20the%20Sahel%20region.

The Changing Face of Africa

Towards the end of 2023, the New York Times began a series titled Old World, Young Africa. The series was focused on how African youth are shaping the continent’s future and how their impact is being felt around the world. The first article in the series, The World is Becoming More African, highlights the astonishing change that is taking place across the continent.

Martin23230, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that the 54 countries that make up Africa cover a larger territory than China, the U.S., Europe and India combined? And within that great expanse are a myriad of cultures, languages, and traditions. The fastest-growing continent and youngest population? That would be Africa with a median age of 19. Compare that with the world’s most populous country, India, where the median age is 28. In China and the U.S., it’s 38. Over the next twenty-five years, Africa’s population is projected to nearly double to 2.5 billion people. Within the next ten years, Africa will have the world’s largest workforce, and by 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African.

Mozerayayena, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This soaring population growth is due in large part to hard won progress in nutrition and disease prevention – Africans are eating better and living longer, and infant mortality has been halved over the last quarter century. The youth of Africa is better educated than ever before—in 2020, 44% of Africans graduated from high school, compared to 22% in 2000, but jobs can be hard to come by, and high levels of unemployment pose a significant threat to stability across the region.

Akintomiwaao, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The rapidly growing prominence of African youth is already having a notable impact on global culture with African artists like Burna Boy and WBH supporter Mdou Moctar drawing massive crowds around the world. Afrobeats, a musical genre with its roots in West Africa, has become a global sensation, and the Grammys added a new category for Best African Music. The cultural influence is not limited to music either – Africa’s cultural influence is evident across the entertainment industry as well as in the fashion and art worlds.

Lastly, Africa is poised to become a leader in the green economy – 60% of the world’s solar energy potential lies in Africa as does 70% of the world’s supply of cobalt, a mineral that is essential in the production of electric vehicles. The tropical rainforests on the continent pull more carbon from the atmosphere than the Amazon. The transition to green energy is sure to bring major economic opportunities across Africa with projects like a $10 billion green hydrogen plant in Namibia and a striking solar tower in Morocco already in process. 

The transformation taking place in Africa will dramatically impact the entire planet, so it’s critical that we educate ourselves on the challenges and triumphs of this vast continent.

Water Scarcity and the Human Factor – Finding Common Ground

By Stephenie Griffin

Many children in classrooms around the world can recite the steps of the hydrologic or
water cycle– evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. It is the
natural process of water moving from the ground to the atmosphere and back again. A
continuous cycle that doesn’t add to or take away from Earth’s ecosystems. But is it
really as simple as we were taught in elementary school?
In theory, the amount of water on Earth should never change given this looped process.
The problem occurs when the water cycle is disrupted by outside factors. These
disruptions can be caused by natural events or human interaction. Often, what is seen
as progress becomes a catalyst for water scarcity or water stress.
For example, dams prevent rivers from flowing naturally and distributing needed water
to surrounding vegetation. Freshwater sources can become unusable due to pollution
from local factories. Paving roads seal the surface of the ground preventing it from
absorbing runoff, leaving underground aquifers unreplenished.
Climate change directly affects the balance of the water cycle making droughts more
common and longer lasting. Global temperatures in 2023 were almost two and a half
degrees higher than they were in the preindustrial era. The hotter temperatures
increase evaporation and transpiration elevating the possibility of drought and plant
stress.
Water Scarcity vs. Water Stress
Water scarcity occurs when there is a shortage of the actual volume of water in an area.
Water stress is the lack of ability to access water to meet necessary human demand.
UNESCO predicts that by 2025, just under two billion people will be experiencing water
scarcity and half of the world will be living in water stressed conditions. In sub-Saharan
Africa, water demand is expected to increase 163% by 2050, further exacerbating the
water–stressed situation.

Impact of Water Scarcity in Niger
Currently, over two billion people worldwide do not have access to a water source that
is safely managed with 1 in 3 lacking basic sanitation as well. In Niger specifically, the
leading causes of death among children under five are waterborne diseases and
diseases caused by poor hygiene and improper sanitation according to UNICEF. Only
13% of the population has access to even the most basic sanitation services.
Because of traditional gender roles, water stress has a greater effect on Nigerien girls
and women. Many walk an average of four to six miles each day carrying a 44-pound
container of water.
Broader Implications of Water Scarcity and Water Stress
Over half of the world’s total water demand is used for agriculture, and insufficient water
is a contributor to famine risk in times of drought, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Demand for water is also disproportionate from region to region. The average American
family uses almost 500 gallons of water each day which far exceeds the average
African family who only uses about 5 gallons per day. Water scarcity also threatens
peace between neighboring countries whose boundaries share underground aquifers.
Two-thirds of Africa’s freshwater sources are transboundary.
Finding Common Ground
Despite the setbacks and challenges, Wells Bring Hope, along with others in the global
community, continues working to provide clean water and proper sanitation for all.
Earth and its atmosphere coexist seamlessly through the water cycle until there is a
disruption. Closing the gap between water demand and access is an opportunity for
humans to find common ground with the Earth’s natural cycle and create an equitable
future for all.

Sources

https://www.resilience.org/stories/2020-01-21/10-critical-water-scarcity-facts-we-must-not-
ignore/
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2024/03/un-world-water-development-report/
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/climate-change-throwing-water-cycle-chaos-
us-rcna137892

https://www.wri.org/insights/highest-water-stressed-
countries#:~:text=And%20at%20least%2050%25%20of,jobs%2C%20food%20and%20energy%
20security
https://www.unicef.org/niger/water-sanitation-and-
hygiene#:~:text=Access%20to%20drinking%20water%20and,services%20between%202012%2
0and%202015



Increased Incidence of Epilepsy in Africa

By Nathelia Bim

Wikimedia commons

Epilepsy is a neurologic disease characterized by seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. There are many causes of seizures, including but not limited to head injury, infections of the central nervous system, and genetic disorders. Various factors, such as poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, and lack of appropriate healthcare services and medicines, make it hard for the people of Africa to be diagnosed or treated properly when they have epilepsy. In addition to medical challenges, people with epilepsy have to live with numerous social stigmas in Africa.

Prevalence of Epilepsy Worldwide 

About 50 million people worldwide are thought to suffer from epilepsy with half of that population residing in Africa. In more economically developed countries, the expected annual incidence rate for epilepsy is 49 per 100,000 individuals, but in less-developed countries, that number can be as high as 139 per 100,000 inhabitants due mainly to an increased number of accidents, birth-related injuries, weak medical infrastructure, and endemic diseases.

Causes of Epilepsy

While there are many potential causes of epilepsy, in Niger, common risk factors are infections of the central nervous system like neurocysticercosis (NCC), cerebral malaria, and bacterial meningitis.

NCC is a parasitic brain infection caused by consuming contaminated water and/or tapeworm-infected pork. In some sub-Saharan communities, the association between NCC and epilepsy can be up to 70%. However, the prevalence of NCC in Niger is low, which can be attributed to the cultural and religious practices that limit pork consumption in the diet of the predominantly Muslim population.

Cerebral Malaria in Niger

Epilepsy is a significant public health concern, especially in rural areas and mainly among young people. A study was conducted on patients with epilepsy at the Regional Hospital Center in Tahoua, Niger. The central nervous system infections identified were mostly cerebral malaria and bacterial meningitis. There were many undetermined cases, but further investigation into diagnoses was incomplete.

Cerebral malaria, a severe consequence of malaria, occurs in patients infected by the malaria parasite from a mosquito carrier. The predominance of cerebral malaria in Niger could be explained by the prevalence of stagnant waters in which mosquitoes reproduce. This neurological form of malaria is a potential cause of epilepsy in malaria-endemic regions of the world.

Niger’s Treatment Limitations

The actual prevalence of epilepsy is still unknown, which can be explained by the fact that people with epilepsy or their families do not have access to the proper testing. In poor, remote settings where the disease is present, epilepsy is difficult to diagnose and treat, which causes significant stigma, especially in girls and women, where it is commonly associated with witchcraft or demonic possession.

Niger has less than a dozen neurologists available to care for people with epilepsy—too few to serve the population. Typically, people with epilepsy are treated by nurse technicians and general practice medical physicians who have little access to sophisticated diagnostics such as electroencephalograms.

Reducing Malaria in Niger with Clean Water

The Demographic and Health Program in Sub-Saharan Africa studied the effects of water and sanitation and the risk of malaria. Across all of the surveys they conducted, unprotected water was associated with increased malaria risks. Malaria affects people with low socioeconomic status and limited access to clean drinking water sources. Storing unimproved drinking water creates stagnant water sources, thus increasing mosquito breeding near households.

The study determined that access to improved water, sanitation, hygiene practices, and malaria prevention procedures influenced the level of malaria risk. Improving water and sanitation conditions could be a potential intervention for long-term malaria prevention. This can decrease the risk of developing cerebral malaria and epilepsy.

Wells Bring Hope’s mission of providing Nigeriens of all ages with clean, safe water dramatically reduces the risk of contracting water-borne diseases and may also be key to reducing the incidence of malaria and thereby the rates of epilepsy.

Epilepsy (who.int)

Epilepsy in Africa: a multifaceted perspective on diagnosis,… : Annals of Medicine and Surgery (lww.com)

Neurocysticercosis in people with epilepsy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and strength of association – Seizure – European Journal of Epilepsy (seizure-journal.com)

Epidemiological behaviour and interventions of malaria in Niger, 2010–2019: a time-series analysis of national surveillance data | Malaria Journal | Full Text (biomedcentral.com).2024

Clinical and etiological profile of epilepsy at the regional hospital center of Tahoua (Niger): A 4‐year retrospective study – Toudou‐Daouda – 2021 – Brain and Behavior – Wiley Online Library

Epilepsy in Niger: An overview of the current situation – Toudou‐Daouda – 2023 – Epilepsia Open – Wiley Online Library

Drinking water and sanitation conditions are associated with the risk of malaria among children under five years old in sub-Saharan Africa: A logistic regression model analysis of national survey data – ScienceDirect

Report on the Situation in Niger

By Tawanda Mukwekwezeke

Wikimedia Commons

Niger faces a complex array of challenges: food insecurity, malnutrition, disease outbreaks, education disruptions, population displacement, and natural calamities, as documented in UNICEF’s recently released report. There is an ongoing need for comprehensive interventions to help alleviate the impact of these conditions on vulnerable communities.

Malnutrition, particularly among children under five, stands as a pressing concern, with thousands grappling with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in 2023. Precision-targeted healthcare interventions are indispensable to effectively grapple with this crisis. Access to safe, clean drinking water from sustainable wells is also vital. Drinking contaminated water leads to diarrhea and other diseases, which exacerbate malnutrition.

Disease outbreaks, exemplified by diphtheria, have further strained an already burdened healthcare system, with notable caseloads reported throughout 2023. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and implementing robust disease control measures are paramount to curtail the spread of infectious diseases. The wells we’ve funded improve village hygiene, and as a result, help limit the spread of disease. Additionally, our large-scale water projects provide water to a rural clinics focused on maternal health.

 The spectre of food insecurity looms large, affecting millions, with projections pointing to a concerning rise to 3.2 million by mid-2024 (Integrated Food Security Classification, November 2023). Wells Bring Hope endeavors to provide long-term strategies to fortify food security resilience. For example, we teach drip farming and show the villagers how to use grey water to grow gardens that supplement their nutrition. With the increasing frequency of famines due to climate change, these gardens help prevent death from starvation.

The education sector grapples with widescale disruptions, characterized by numerous school closures and the plight of thousands of affected students. In communities where we’ve built wells, girls are able to attend school because they no longer have to walk hours to fetch water for their families.

Collaboration among government entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international partners like Wells Bring Hope stands as a linchpin in addressing these multifaceted challenges effectively. The mobilization of resources, implementation of targeted interventions, and cultivation of community resilience emerge as critical strategies in supporting the people of Niger through these adversities.

https://reliefweb.int/report/niger/unicef-niger-humanitarian-situation-report-no-4-reporting-period-1-january-31-december-2023