Public Health Specialist, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health
Dr. Aichatou Alfari is a public health specialist with over seven years of experience working on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Niger, mostly with the National Program for Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminths in Niger’s Ministry of Health. Her particular focus has been on national strategies to control schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths. Thanks to her commitment and hard work as well as financial support from USAID, millions of children across Niger receive praziquantel and albendazole annually. These drugs help to rid their bodies of parasites that hinder physical and cognitive development, rob them of essential micronutrients, and diminish their ability to go to school and to learn. Thanks to the work of Dr. Alfari, the future for Niger is brighter and children across the country have the chance to live a healthier life, free from NTDs.