Health Sector Review and Outlook for 2024 and 2025...

On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso held the second ordinary session of the Sectoral Ministerial Administration Council (CASEM). The discussions focused on reviewing the actions taken in 2024, outlining priorities for 2025, and identifying measures to improve the functioning of the healthcare system.

Despite the challenging security situation, notable achievements were recorded in 2024. The reduction in the cost of medical imaging exams, which came into effect in April, enabled more than 1.300 MRIs and 27.000 CT scans to be performed, facilitating diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the 15 mobile clinics deployed across the country raised awareness about women’s cancers, reaching 1.9 million women, performing over 6.000 mammograms, and providing free screenings for 84.000 women.

The provision of free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five resulted in over 7 million services, at a cost of 29 billion FCFA. Furthermore, about 5 million children benefited from seasonal malaria chemoprevention campaigns, enhanced by the introduction of the malaria vaccine in 27 health districts.

In areas facing security challenges, 63% of malnutrition cases were addressed, and 111.844 children were treated for malaria. Additionally, a dialysis center was opened in Tenkodogo, with another under construction in Gaoua.

For 2025, priorities include transforming health centers (CSPS) into communal medical centers, constructing new specialized centers, and intensifying awareness campaigns. The establishment of FASO-PHARMA for the production of essential medicines and the deployment of a hospital information system in healthcare facilities are also on the agenda.

Minister of Health, Robert Kargougou, emphasized that efforts will continue to promote good governance, combat corruption, and improve the management of medical equipment, aiming to build a high-performing healthcare system centered on the needs of the population.