Statements and Webcast
Niger
H.E. Mr. Sanda Soumana, Minister of Health
9 June 2011
- Statement: French (Check against delivery)
Statement Summary
SANDA SOUMANA, Minister for Health of Niger, discussing at-risk groups in his country, said the Government had created a national council in 2002 to combat HIV/AIDS. In 2004, the Government had initiated antiretroviral treatment and there had been progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, he said, adding that operational centres dealing with that aspect were located across the country. Niger was also focused on combating stigmatization. In 2007, a law on prevention had been adopted. Assistance was provided for vulnerable groups, in particular widows and orphans, thanks to financing from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said.
However, it was difficult to achieve results as civil society had lagged and only the public sector had been taking action, he said. There were also difficulties in providing medicine, and a need for health-care training, though significant political commitments had led to new hope for continuing free antiretroviral treatment. The Government hoped to establish a system of levying taxes on luxury goods, he said, adding that plans were in place for an evaluation system and to ensure that data collection continued. Niger was also planning a national, multisector plan and round table to mobilize resources.
Source: GA/11090