During April 2026’s National Polio Vaccination Days in Niger, the Niamey region pioneered a digital payment system for healthcare workers and community vaccinators. Backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Niger, this initiative replaced traditional cash payments with mobile transfers for over 1,200 frontline workers.

The new system achieved remarkable efficiency, with 99% of payments processed within 48 hours post-campaign. This digital approach enhanced transaction transparency, slashed payment delays, and eliminated logistical hurdles tied to cash handling. Initial challenges—such as data quality and digital tool adoption—were swiftly addressed through targeted support from WHO Niger.

Building the foundation for digital payments

The success hinged on meticulous groundwork. From September 29 to October 3, 2025, WHO Niger organized a capacity-building workshop on digital payments for national and local vaccination stakeholders. Led by experts from WHO Africa Regional Office, the training equipped Niger’s Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene with the tools to design and implement a robust national digital payment ecosystem.

Transforming public health campaigns

Digital payments for health workers represent a game-changer in public health. By ensuring faster, safer, and fully traceable transactions, this system boosts field agent morale and campaign performance. With its impressive results in Niamey, the model is poised for nationwide expansion, setting a precedent for other health initiatives and reinforcing WHO Niger’s commitment to impactful, measurable outcomes.