Review of management of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Niger

Introduction: COVID -19, caused by the SARS CoV 2 virus and declared a pandemic by the WHO, spread rapidly across the world, challenging health care systems everywhere. The objective of this study was to describe the management of the pandemic in Niger with a view to outlining the lessons learned. Methods: This was a descriptive observational study of the management of Covid-19 in Niger. Areas reviewed were institutional, equipment and materials, personnel, epidemiology, vaccines and the lessons learned during a year when Niger was hit by two waves. Results: After the 1st case declared on March 19th, 2020, the Government closed the borders and set up ministerial and expert committees. The President signed into law barrier restrictions. Separate laboratory sites were set up for PCR testing and hospitals arranged separate facilities for patients diagnosed. Additional ventilators were purchased and Lifebox donated pulse oximeters. Local experts chose an Azithromycin, Hydroxychloroquine, anticoagulation protocol for treatment. Government decided to provide free healthcare for all citizens from March 2021. The country was hit with two waves of COVID-19, peaking in April and December 2020. From March 2020 to May 2021, 104,775 people were tested. 5369 were positive, of whom 5033 recovered and 192 died. 144 are recovering including 60 hospitalized and none in Intensive Care. Overall, 128 patients were treated in ICU with a mortality rate of 46.10%. Vaccinations began on April 3rd 2021 with Sinopharm and Astra Zeneca, 9000 people have been vaccinated (WHO COVAX program). Conclusion: Like most countries, Niger was affected by COVID-19 but perhaps to a lesser degree than was expected. However, in its severest form, it was deadly. It is clear that Ministries of Health need to be aware of the equipment and specialized training of personnel required for the management of such a pandemic. (Figure Presented).