who’s 2024–2025 biennial report: Burkina Faso’s health resilience and access to care advancements
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024–2025 biennial report for Burkina Faso highlights substantial achievements amidst a landscape of security, humanitarian, and climatic challenges. This comprehensive document details significant strides made in strengthening health systems and improving population well-being.
Key accomplishments include the nationwide scaling-up of the anti-malaria vaccine across all 70 health districts, marking a pivotal step in malaria prevention and safeguarding children’s health. The report also details the implementation of the WHO PEN package in six health districts, enhancing integrated management of non-communicable diseases at the primary healthcare level, thereby expanding access to vital care.
A significant regulatory milestone during the biennium was the enactment of an anti-tobacco decree prohibiting smoking in public spaces and on public transportation. This illustrates Burkina Faso’s national commitment to health promotion and mitigating preventable risk factors, fostering healthier communities.
WHO-supported interventions against malaria consistently delivered widespread impact: over 5 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and approximately 15 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed nationwide. These efforts are crucial for reducing malaria incidence and mortality across the country.
In vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas, WHO played a crucial role in maintaining essential service continuity. This was achieved through the strategic deployment of advanced health posts and mobile clinics, simultaneously facilitating the delivery of 58 tons of vital medicines and medical equipment to disadvantaged populations, ensuring healthcare access where it’s most needed.
The report further highlights foundational advancements in health information systems, including the adoption of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in four referral hospitals. This represents a critical step towards improving data quality, enhancing mortality surveillance, and enabling evidence-based decision-making for future public health strategies.
These outcomes collectively underscore Burkina Faso’s progress in building health system resilience, strengthening services, and safeguarding its populace. The report also outlines strategic priorities to be consolidated in future programmatic cycles, ensuring sustained improvements in public health.
