Niger Humanitarian Emergency

In Niger, Central Sahel’s fast-moving emergency has hardened into a complex protection and survival crisis. Conflict, insecurity, flooding and deepening poverty propel displacement and food insecurity, with women, girls and young people bearing the greatest burdens. Rising violence and economic strain have eroded already fragile health and protection systems, leaving many women and girls without access to skilled birth care, contraception or survivor-centred support for gender-based violence. For vulnerable adolescent girls and women with disabilities, the risks of early marriage, exploitation and violence are increasing as shocks worsen.

UNFPA’s response in Niger has focused on keeping life-saving sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services within reach despite multiple constraints. Partners support health facilities, deploy skilled midwives and operate fixed and mobile clinics to reach communities cut off by insecurity or climate impacts. An integrated package of support includes maternal healthcare, family planning, the clinical management of rape, psychosocial support and community engagement to address harmful norms. Yet severe financial pressure threatens the continuity and scale of support. Without additional, flexible funding, women and girls will continue to struggle with widening gaps in services and protection.