Doha: The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed a set of humanitarian and development projects in Niger at a total cost of $2,472,220, to meet the needs of 143,298 beneficiaries. Covering the health, shelter, water and sanitation, and livelihood sectors, the projects were implemented in partnership with government authorities and local and community leaders in the target areas, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions, QRCS said in a statement.
According to Qatar News Agency, to provide permanent access to safe and sustainable drinking water, boreholes were constructed and equipped with water tanks and solar-powered pumping systems for the benefit of 23 poor villages in Zinder, Tahoua, and Tillaberi regions. At the same time, the populations received training and education on environmental sanitation and hygiene practices, which would help prevent diseases and promote healthy practices.
School eye screening campaigns were launched in Niamey and Tillaberi, including early medical examinations for 117,462 students, in addition to specialized medical tests for 9,071 students. In addition, 700 medication packages were distributed to students, 111 surgeries were performed for patients, and 400 teachers were trained in how to detect vision problems among students. These interventions had positive outcomes for the students’ health and academic performance.
Regarding shelter, a residential village was constructed for 25 poor families (436 persons) in Filingue, Tillaberi, to protect their human dignity and enhance their stability. The project comprised 25 45-m2 homes and an 80-m2 mosque.
Two livelihood projects supported 13,567 women, youths, and vulnerable families in Tillaberi and Niamey with alternative and sustainable economic opportunities that help reduce poverty and promote self-reliance. QRCS secured funding for 158 income-generating enterprises, including animal husbandry, agriculture, handicrafts, retail, and fishing. The beneficiaries also received vocational training from specialized technicians to enable them to start their own businesses and earn a living.
All these projects respected the environmental dimension, with a special focus on women and vulnerable groups, to ensure equitable access and comprehensive interventions. These achievements demonstrate QRCS’s commitment to providing humanitarian and development support in Niger and strengthening the resilience of local communities in the face of challenges.