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Climate change is becoming an increasingly severe problem in many countries, and Niger is no exception. The West African country faces several climate-related challenges that have a considerable impact on the health and well-being of its people. To understand the implications of climate change in Niger, it is important to examine the trends associated with these changes and the impact they may have on community health. Climate change directly affects food security, water availability, and the prevalence of diseases such as typhoid. The typhoid burden is particularly concerning in Niger, where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. To develop effective strategies to improve public health outcomes, it is essential to understand how these changes affect population health.
Climate change trends
Niger’s climate has been quite variable in recent years, cycling through periods of floods and droughts. Data indicate that rainfall patterns have changed during the last few decades: some regions experience prolonged droughts while others confront sudden and extreme flooding. Climate change in Niger is predominately driven by global greenhouse gas emissions, of which Niger contributes a very small percentage.
More than 80 percent of Niger’s population depends on agriculture, making it highly vulnerable to climate variability. Changes in rainfall patterns, such as droughts or floods, can severely impact food security.
How does climate change impact the country?
The consequences of climate change in Niger are far reaching. One of the most significant impacts is on public health: in particular, waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever. Climate change is increasing water scarcity and the frequency of extreme weather events. When heavy rains occur, they often lead to flooding, which can submerge sanitation infrastructure and contaminate drinking water supplies with bacteria, including those that cause typhoid fever. Droughts exacerbate water scarcity, making it harder for communities to access clean water and increasing the risk of typhoid.
Typhoid fever, caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, is a major health problem. Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water and is closely linked to the availability of and access to clean water and improved sanitation. Modelling estimates of typhoid burden show more than 34,800 cases in 2021; the majority of the cases are in children younger than 15 years old. Niger has a high burden of typhoid intestinal perforation, which accounts for 38 percent of abdominal surgeries in children younger than 5 years old. Recovery from typhoid intestinal perforation is complicated and increases treatment costs.
Protection before extreme weather is crucial
TCVs are an important health tool to protect against typhoid fever. They are safe and effective, providing robust protection in high-burden settings. Studies have demonstrated that TCVs can significantly reduce the incidence of typhoid fever, including drug-resistant typhoid.
The Government of Niger has made the decision to introduce TCV, a strategic tool to prevent and control typhoid. Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene are also important tools in the reduction of waterborne diseases. TCVs are 79 to 85 percent effective in preventing typhoid cases in children aged 9 months to 16 years. In regions affected by extreme weather events, TCVs act as a safeguard, providing a crucial defense against typhoid, before the increased risk of disease. TCVs can help reduce the burden on the healthcare system and improve community health.
Cover photo: A vaccinator administers TCV during an immunization campaign in Burkina Faso. Credit: TyVAC/Build Africa Communications
