Burkina Faso: world bank funding to boost health system resilience and equity

WASHINGTON, January 24, 2025 – The World Bank today approved a substantial financing package to bolster Burkina Faso’s healthcare infrastructure. This includes a credit of 142 million euros (equivalent to 150 million US dollars) from the International Development Association (IDA)* and a 17 million US dollar grant from the Global Financing Facility (GFF). These funds are allocated to the Project for Strengthening Health System Performance and Resilience (PRPRSS).

This critical initiative, primarily targeting adolescents, women, and children under the age of five, aims to enhance disease surveillance capabilities and improve the uptake of essential health and nutrition services. Its reach will span the entire nation, with specific attention directed towards internally displaced persons and communities facing limited access to healthcare provisions.

“Human development is fundamental for fostering social inclusion and remains a paramount priority for the World Bank. This project is designed to support the government’s efforts in building resilience and effectively managing the current challenges within the health sector. It serves as a vital complement to the recently approved Human Capital Protection Project, which provides 100.4 million dollars to improve the delivery of basic social services,” stated Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank Resident Representative for Burkina Faso.

The Project aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s strategy for the West and Central Africa region, which focuses on reinforcing the social contract by strengthening key institutions involved in delivering fundamental social services.

“Ensuring women, adolescents, and children have access to healthcare represents one of the most invaluable investments governments can make to propel countries toward development and prosperity. The GFF is proud to stand with the government of Burkina Faso in constructing an efficient and resilient health system that guarantees healthcare access for these populations, even in the most fragile areas,” emphasized Luc Laviolette, Head of the GFF Secretariat.

“This project arrives at a crucial moment, as it will significantly contribute to strengthening the nation’s capacity for health emergency preparedness and response, while simultaneously elevating the quality and utilization of health and nutrition services. Furthermore, it will continue the World Bank’s support for various reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Health, aimed at enhancing governance, equity, and sustainable financing within the health sector,” explained Moussa Dieng, the World Bank’s Health Portfolio Lead.