A New Surgical Center Opens at CURE Niger

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new Surgical Center, led by the Minister of Health Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, Executive Director Emanuel Mayaki, and Mrs. Djimrao Djamilatou, the governor’s representative.

CURE Niger has officially inaugurated its new Surgical Center, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s mission to provide life-changing surgical care for children with treatable disabilities. In Niger, where an estimated 735,000 children live with correctable conditions such as clubfoot, cleft lip and palate, bowed legs, and knock knees, this expansion represents new hope for thousands of families. The new operative center will increase CURE’s Niger annual surgical volume in Niger from 1,500 to approximately 2,000 cases (a 30% increase).

Expanding Surgical Capacity

Niger remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with 80% of the population living on less than $2 a day and only 48% having access to a health center within a five-kilometer radius.

“For a decade and a half, CURE Niger has stood as a place of hope and healing, providing continuous medical care and treatment to some of the country’s most vulnerable children. And now, we take an essential step forward. With the opening of our new state-of-the-art Surgical Center, we are expanding our capacity and raising the standard of care we can provide.” Emanuel Mayaki, CURE Niger Interim Executive Director, said in the opening of his speech.

Timely surgical care can transform a child’s life, breaking the cycle of poverty and social exclusion that often accompanies untreated disabilities. However, access to specialized pediatric surgery in Niger is limited. Speaking at the event, CURE Niger Medical Director Dr. Fasto Ladu shared, “We believe that the true strength and future of this country lie in its children. When we first began in 2010, we had only two operating rooms. However, through determination, shared passion, and a deep sense of purpose, CURE Niger has experienced steady growth in the number of patients we serve, the skills and size of our team, and the impact we are making across the country.”

The new Surgical Center expansion is part of a broader initiative to increase CURE Niger’s capacity and improve patient care. Future plans include the creation of a training center, a physiotherapy unit, an expanded consultation area, an orthopedic workshop, a patient hostel, a ward, and additional storage facilities.

Dr. Fasto Ladu shows the visiting state officials around the surgical center

Building for the Future

Beyond expanding surgical capacity, the new Surgical Center stands as a cornerstone of CURE Niger’s long-term mission to train and empower local medical professionals. The upgraded facilities will encourage collaboration, mentorship, and skill development, strengthening pediatric orthopedic care across Niger for generations to come. “With this advanced facility, CURE can provide even better treatment and surgical services, ensuring that more children can heal, recover, and rediscover the joy of smiling again. On behalf of the highest authorities of our country, I extend the warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in this vital work. Your dedication and commitment to improving children’s health are truly commendable, and they inspire hope for a brighter, healthier future for all our young ones,” declared Minister of Health Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi.

“The vision behind CURE Niger aligns seamlessly with the government’s overarching goals to improve access to quality healthcare for all citizens, regardless of their circumstances. By working together, we are creating a healthier, stronger future for our communities,” said Djimrao Djamilatou, Deputy Secretary General of the Niamey Region.

Abel, one of CURE’s patients, was happy to celebrate with all the staff.

15 Years of Healing

For over 15 years, CURE Niger has continued to expand and modernize its facilities to uphold the highest standards of patient care and safety. Since opening its doors as a charitable children’s hospital in 2010, CURE Niger has performed more than 11,640 life-changing surgeries, completely free of charge, for children from every region of Niger and neighboring countries. This milestone was reached through the support of all the partners who joined CURE Niger along the way.

“None of what we celebrate today would have been possible without the steadfast support of our partners. The Madala Foundation has stood with us for all these years. The US government has opened doors to growth by funding the infrastructure needed (USD 3.1 million) to serve more patients. Our local authorities have been steady allies, ensuring our work is grounded in community support. The Ministry of Health, through Dongad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, assisted us with all incoming containers. Meanwhile, the procurement of equipment and furnishings was managed internally by CURE’s procurement and logistics team. Each contribution made all this possible,” said Emanuel Mayaki.

A joyful moment as leaders and staff joined in the official cutting of CURE Niger’s 15th anniversary cake.

Giorgio Lastroni, CURE International’s Chief Medical Officer, highlighted at the end of the ceremony that “[This world-class operating facility] is a symbol of faith, commitment, and compassion. It is incredibly encouraging to see something so meaningful and impactful happening right here in this country.” As CURE Niger begins this new chapter, its mission remains the same: to provide the highest standard of surgical care to the world’s most vulnerable children. CURE Niger is grateful for 15 years of service and remains committed to changing lives in the community it serves.

Learn more about CURE’s approach to providing surgical care in need across our hospital network..