Aminata Kaoucen works as a nurse for a local NGO called Action pour le Bien-Être in Southern Niger, where she attends to refugees from neighbouring Nigeria at an integrated health centre in the Garin Kaka refugee camp.

 "I have worked as a humanitarian for 23 years, including three years with refugees," Aminata says in-between taking the temperatures of children suffering from malaria. "I like being with the patients and in particular with refugees, who are very vulnerable populations."

Specialising in mother and child health, Aminata has receiving training from the World Health Organization in epidemiological surveillance.

Along with the 14 other health workers at the integrated health centre, she now combines this training with her many years of experience to attend to more than 40 patients a day, most of whom are suffering from issues related to malnutrition and hygiene. Health workers also screen them in search of diseases under surveillance.

“I chose this work as it allows me to help people who are very vulnerable,” Aminata says as she walks to her consultation room. “Each patient treated is a source of pride for me,”

With many thanks to Aminata for sharing her story.