Life expectancy rates are a crucial indicator of a country's overall mortality, significantly influenced by poverty levels. The correlation between poor health and poverty suggests that individuals in higher socioeconomic classes tend to live longer and healthier lives compared to those in lower classes. Niger, a landlocked country in Africa, faces significant challenges with a poverty rate of approximately 44.1 percent in 2017, resulting in one of the lowest life expectancy rates globally.
Here are some key facts about life expectancy in Niger, shedding light on the challenges the government is addressing to improve quality of life and the ongoing efforts to prevent premature deaths.
Understanding Life Expectancy in Niger
In 2016, the global life expectancy rate was 72.0 years, with women expected to live to 74.2 years and men to 69.8 years. However, a 2018 estimate by the CIA indicates that the average life expectancy rate in Niger was 56.3 years. Specifically, the rate for women was 57.7 years, while men lived to an average of 55.0 years.
Location of Niger in Africa
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy
Population Growth
One of the primary factors impacting Niger's stagnant poverty rates is its rapidly growing population. With a growth rate of 3.16 percent, Niger has the seventh fastest-growing population in the world. The country struggles to provide adequate resources for its increasing population, exacerbating the mortality rate.
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Economic Dependence on Agriculture
In 2017, the UN ranked Niger as the second least developed country globally due to its heavy reliance on agriculture. A significant majority, 87 percent, of the population depends on agriculture, including subsidized farming and domestic livestock, as their primary source of income. Consequently, nearly half of the population lives below the poverty line due to limited job opportunities and a lack of industrial development.
Human Development Index (HDI)
In 2017, Niger ranked 189th out of 189 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). This index ranks countries based on health, knowledge, and quality of life. Health is determined by life expectancy at birth, knowledge by the average schooling rate, and quality of life by gross national income. Despite the index not accounting for poverty levels, socioeconomic inequality, or human security, Niger's low ranking reflects significant challenges in healthcare, education, and economic prosperity.
Global Life Expectancy Trends
Leading Causes of Death
The top three leading causes of death in Niger in 2017 were malaria, diarrheal diseases, and lower respiratory infections. In contrast, the leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and accidents. While the latter are often non-contagious or unavoidable, malaria and diarrheal diseases are treatable and preventable with proper healthcare.
Environmental Challenges
Located between three deserts, Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world with a very dry climate. This extreme climate results in inconsistent rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged droughts and widespread famine. Groundwater, the primary source of clean water, is often contaminated in wells or located kilometers away. Consequently, only 56 percent of the population has access to drinking water, and only 13 percent practice proper sanitation.
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In Niger, Climate Change Impacts Food Production and Malaria Rates
Sanitation and Hygiene Practices
A significant portion of Niger's population lacks education on proper health practices. Approximately 71 percent of people practice open defecation, and 17 million people do not have access to proper toilets. Inadequate disposal of fecal matter contaminates hand-dug wells, affecting access to clean drinking water for entire villages. This improper sanitation, contaminated water, and insufficient hygiene contribute to diarrhea-associated deaths in Niger.
Efforts to Improve Life Expectancy
UNICEF and ECHO Partnership
In partnership with European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), UNICEF Niger has successfully advocated for the expansion of the national seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaign and the inclusion of malnutrition screening. In 2016, the malaria chemoprevention campaign helped 2.23 million children between three and 59 months suffering from malaria. Additionally, the incorporation of malnutrition screening contributed to an 11 percent decrease in the number of children with severe acute malnutrition in 2016.
Doctors Without Borders Initiatives
Doctors Without Borders has recognized the critical need for malaria and malnutrition care in Niger, especially during peak drought seasons. In 2018, Doctors Without Borders treated 173,200 patients for malaria, placed 42,300 people into feeding treatment centers, and admitted 86,300 people to hospitals for malaria and malnutrition treatment.
UNICEF's WASH Program
A UNICEF-funded branch of the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program is actively working in Niger to increase access to clean water and sanitation facilities, aiming to combat open defecation and poor hygiene. Currently, UNICEF is implementing a WASH-approach in 14 municipalities within three regions of Niger, focusing on opening new facilities, strengthening water pipe systems, and managing water supply networks.
UNICEF's WASH Program improving water access in Niger
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Summary of Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Global Life Expectancy (2016) | 72.0 years |
| Niger Life Expectancy (2018) | 56.3 years |
| Population Growth Rate | 3.16% |
| Population Dependent on Agriculture | 87% |
| Access to Drinking Water | 56% |
| Practice Open Defecation | 71% |
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