Current Position
Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs, Republic of Niger
Background
Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi serves as the Minister of Public Health, Population and Social Affairs of the Republic of Niger. Appointed in April 2025 under the transitional government, he brings a military background into civilian health leadership.
Expertise
He has emphasized the need for cross-border coordination and greater domestic financing to sustain neglected tropical disease (NTD) efforts. His leadership continues to shape a health system focused on equity and regional integration.
Achievements
As Minister, he has championed Niger's landmark verification by WHO in January 2025 as the first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness). He has also prioritized disability care and deepened government collaboration with CURE Niger to expand orthopedic services for children.
