Oumar Boukar, a dedicated community health volunteer, is the driving force behind vaccination awareness in his community. Every day, he ventures into the most remote corners of Tesker, traveling dozens of kilometers to deliver one crucial message: the importance of vaccinating children.

For the past six years, Oumar has worked tirelessly at the Tesker Integrated Health Center (CSI), in one of the ten departments in Zinder region. Located in the northeast, this department covers a vast area of 69,278 km² with a population density of just 0.54 inhabitants per km². Despite these geographical challenges, Oumar remains resolute:

With 37,132 inhabitants (RGPH 2012), Tesker presents unique obstacles. Its population is spread out, often living in difficult-to-reach areas. Yet Oumar always finds a way to reach them, whether by vehicle or riding long distances on a motorcycle.

At sixty years old, married, and father of nine, Oumar is truly a catalyst for change. He braves the elements to serve his community, driven by unwavering conviction in the importance of vaccination for children’s well-being—particularly those in remote areas.

“I am known both in town and in the countryside. I work for the people of Tesker… I work for my country,”
he proudly declares.

Despite the difficulties posed by distant villages and settlements, Oumar enjoys unwavering support from his family. His mission is clear: to strengthen parents’ understanding of the importance of vaccination.

“I am always in contact with parents for both routine vaccination and mass vaccination campaigns, including polio,” he explains.

Oumar’s determination and dedication stand as inspiring examples of what it means to be a community health volunteer in the service of public health in Niger.

Written by Naino A. Issaka, UNICEF Niger
Photo credits: ©UNICEF Niger/ Tesker, Zinder,  July 2024/ Naino Issaka