Niger

In Niger, capacity building was at the core of the Joint Team’s support to the national HIV response. For instance, a total of 50 laboratory technicians had orientation on the new three-test HIV screening algorithm improving the quality of services in three target regions (WHO). The Joint Team supported 136 female community mediators to sensitize pregnant women on HIV testing and antenatal care services and provide treatment adherence and follow up services in 36 health centres (UNICEF). Additionally, 40 healthcare providers in Diffa, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua and Tillabéri cities were trained on delivery of integrated HIV and reproductive health services, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV (UNHCR). A total of 448 peer educators, community mediators and trainers are empowered to deliver HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents and young people, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (UNHCR).

As part of the task-shifting initiative, 94 healthcare workers from 47 Integrated Health Centres (IHC) were trained as prescribers of antiretroviral treatment (ART) improving access to treatment services in Tahoua, Tillbéri and Zinder cities. Early warning indicators (EWIs) were also collected in the eight regions to minimize HIV drug resistance and improve the quality of ART and viral load testing services across the country (WHO). Furthermore, 176 vulnerable people living with HIV from Tahoua and Zinder cities also received US$ 76 per quarter for food and transportation expenses improving their adherence to treatment in the initial six months of therapy. The study on sensitivity of social protection programmes to HIV was finalized in collaboration with the National HIV programme and a roadmap was developed to implement the resulting recommendations (WFP).