On Wednesday, October 2, the inauguration ceremony for the new Child Neuropsychiatry Pavilion took place at the National Hospital of Niamey. This facility marks a significant milestone in mental health care, as it is the first in the country dedicated to treating neuropsychiatric and motor disorders in children. The pavilion was established within the framework of the project “Development of the National Mental Health Program in Niger,” funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by MEDU (Doctors for Human Rights), in partnership with the National Mental Health Program (PNSM) of the Niger Ministry of Public Health and the Nigerien association Alternative Espaces Citoyens (AEC).
The ceremony, which emphasized the importance of cooperation among various actors in Niger’s healthcare system, was attended by the Minister of Health, Major Colonel Garba Hakimi, the Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy in Niger, Roberto Orlando, the Director of the AICS office in Niamey, Fabio Minniti, General Massimo Marceddu from the Italian Support Mission in Niger, and other key institutional representatives.
In Niger, mental health is one of the most critical and neglected areas of the healthcare system. Both financial and human resources are scarce, and the available care and prevention services do not meet the population’s actual needs. One of the main challenges is the lack of specialized facilities, especially for children and adolescents, despite the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric illnesses such as epilepsy and neuromotor problems. The lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding these conditions further complicate access to care. A 2022 WHO report indicates that a significant portion of Niger’s population suffers from neuropsychiatric disorders, with particularly high incidence rates in rural areas, where access to care is even more limited.
The “Development of the National Mental Health Program in Niger” project aims to address these challenges systematically. Funded by AICS and implemented by MEDU, the initiative seeks to improve access to mental health services by building new infrastructure, providing essential medications, and training specialized medical personnel. A key component of the project is raising public awareness through targeted campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders and promote understanding. Particularly noteworthy is the focus on teacher training, as teachers play a crucial role in identifying and managing conditions such as epilepsy in children. In schools, alongside training, the project offers support in addressing complex issues like youth mental health and drug abuse prevention.
The new child neuropsychiatry unit features a rehabilitation room equipped with state-of-the-art technology, designed to meet the diverse needs of its patients. The facility includes adjustable platforms to aid in gait rehabilitation, muscle-strengthening tools aimed at improving the motor skills of children with physical disorders, and specialized cognitive support equipment that enables patients to undergo rehabilitation programs that stimulate neuropsychiatric development. These resources will allow children and adolescents with motor and cognitive disabilities to receive personalized care, supported by a highly qualified team of specialists. The unit represents a major advancement for Niger’s healthcare system, promoting an integrated approach to mental health that addresses not only physical aspects but also cognitive and emotional well-being.