Burkina Faso’s health progress: insights from the WHO 2024-2025 biennial report

The World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2024-2025 biennial report for Burkina Faso chronicles significant achievements, realized amidst a landscape of persistent security, humanitarian, and climate-related challenges.

Key accomplishments detailed include the widespread implementation of the malaria vaccine across all 70 health districts, marking a pivotal step in malaria prevention and safeguarding children’s well-being. Furthermore, the report highlights the introduction of the WHO PEN package in six health districts, enhancing the integrated management of non-communicable diseases within primary healthcare settings.

A substantial regulatory milestone during this two-year period was the enactment of an anti-tobacco decree, which prohibits smoking in public spaces and on public transport. This underscores the nation’s dedication to public health promotion and mitigating preventable risk factors.

WHO-backed initiatives targeting malaria control have consistently delivered broad-reaching results. Over 5 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and approximately 15 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed nationwide.

In precarious and hard-to-reach regions, the WHO played a crucial role in sustaining vital services through the establishment of advanced health posts and mobile clinics. Concurrently, 58 tons of essential medicines and medical equipment were successfully delivered to benefit vulnerable populations.

The report further highlights foundational advancements in health information systems, notably the adoption of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) across four leading hospitals. This represents a critical stride towards enhancing data quality, improving mortality surveillance, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.

These outcomes collectively underscore Burkina Faso’s progress in fortifying its health system’s resilience, strengthening service delivery, and safeguarding its citizens. The findings also delineate strategic priorities for ongoing consolidation in forthcoming programmatic cycles.