As part of Phase II of the AVENIR project, the Agadez region is preparing for its first mass administration of azithromycin in June 2025.
This campaign will target children under five years of age in the region’s seven districts: Arlit, Aderbissenat, Agadez commune, Bilma, Ingall, Iferouāne, and Tchirozerine.
To ensure effective and safe implementation in Agadez, training for trainers was organised for district management teams and staff of the Regional Health and Public Hygiene Directorate.
The objectives of this session were:
To ensure proficiency in the use of data collection tools related to the mass distribution of azithromycin
To ensure rigorous management of drugs and funds
To identify operational challenges and formulate relevant recommendations
This capacity building is a crucial step towards ensuring the success of future MDA campaigns and will contribute to a significant reduction in morbidity among young children.
Committed to protecting the environment
Return and destruction of empty azithromycin bottles
A mission to recover and destroy the vials used during the February 2025 MDA campaign was carried out in the Tahoua region (Tahoua department, Bagaroua, Konni, Keita, Tchinta Baraden). The vials were transported to the Boboye base for destruction in accordance with environmental standards, following consultation with the technical services and the DRS/HP. This operation demonstrates the AVENIR project’s commitment to responsible management of biomedical waste.
Ensuring optimal storage of healthcare products
A joint national-regional mission was conducted in the district of Bermo and Madarounfa to visit newly constructed storage facilities, to identify gaps, and to develop a costed plan for renovations. Hosted by the prefect and local authorities, this initiative is part of a strategy to continuously improve infrastructure to ensure optimal conditions for the storage of health products.
Towards an integrated campaign
Azithromycin, Vitamin A & Albendazole
In May 2025, the AVENIR project participated in several coordination meetings with the government’s Nutrition Directorate, Helen Keller International and other partners.
The objective? To plan an integrated campaign to combine distribution of azithromycin, vitamin A and albendazole to children aged 6 to 59 months in the district of Tchirozerine.
This integrated approach, recommended by the WHO, aims to:
- Increase healthcare coverage;
- Optimise human and logistical resources;
- Reduce costs while improving the effectiveness of public health interventions.
The strategy is part of the REACH initiative and is to be assessed for feasibility and acceptability among key stakeholders and populations.
As always, the AVENIR II team extends grateful thanks to its implementing partners:
