Already stretched of resources and capacity, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic added more burdens to the fragile health care system in Niger.

When the capital Niamey became the epicentre of COVID-19 in Niger, the national stadium (Stade Général Seyni Kountché) was converted to an isolation centre to prevent the spread of the pandemic to other regions. In the aim to increase the reception capacity of symptomatic patients, UNHCR set up a network of joining Better Shelter Relief Housing Units (RHUs) on the grounds of the national stadium.

It is estimated that 350 units, providing space for 700 patients were implemented across the country.

Read more about UNHCR’s activities in Niger here.