According to Global Health Facts, Niger has less than one doctor for every 10,000 persons. 80% or more of health workers live in urban areas.

Expanding Lives' conferences therefore put an emphasis on the knowledge and skills needed for a woman to take care of her own health and to become a community health advocate. 

n addition to courses in community health, HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy, pelvic health, and reproductive health, our girls learn about the benefits and practice of yoga and Tae Kwon Do.

The young women also receive dental cleanings.  Since Niger has less than 0.05 dentists for every 10,000 people, this will likely be the only visit in their lives.