Niger consistently ranks at or near the bottom of the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index. Chronic food insecurity and infectious disease have resulted in some of the highest rates of malnutrition and mortality in the world.

More than 50 percent of children under 5 years old are chronically undernourished and the rates of acute malnutrition are well beyond the threshold for public health emergencies. In addition, Niger has the highest fertility rate in the world. Left unchecked, Niger’s rapid population growth will further undermine health service delivery and weaken the resilience of the most vulnerable populations. To address policy and advocacy needs at the regional, national and sub-national levels, USAID programs focus on developing the capacity of government, civil society and other partners to improve maternal and child health, family planning and nutrition.