On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN) hosted a pivotal discussion focused on a critical issue: “Security Crisis and Decline in External Funding: What Self-Reliant Alternatives Exist to Safeguard Sexual and Reproductive Health/Family Planning Rights in Burkina Faso?”
Grappling with a persistent security crisis and the gradual withdrawal of international donors, Burkina Faso faces a significant hurdle: ensuring the ongoing provision of sexual and reproductive health (SSR) services.
Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that approximately 81% of the funding for this sector previously originated from foreign partners. Over recent years, this external contribution has seen a sharp decrease, compelling national stakeholders to explore internal, sustainable solutions.
For Désiré Thiombiano, director of AMS Synergie Burkina Faso, the solution lies in fostering public awareness and directly engaging communities.
He emphasized, “The time for relying on partners to return is over. We must proactively invest in sexual health ourselves to prevent early pregnancies, child marriages, and maternal mortalities.”
To achieve this, the expert recommended several key actions: first, educating the populace on their vital role in resource mobilization; second, strengthening positive masculinity by involving influential opinion and religious leaders in advocacy and communication efforts; and finally, formalizing community-based fundraising through local territorial collectives to ensure transparent and sustainable management of these essential funds.
Dr. Clarisse Bougma, representing the director of family health, highlighted the Burkinabe government’s ongoing commitment. Between 2020 and 2025, the state allocated nearly 3.9 billion CFA francs towards acquiring contraceptive products. Despite the reduction in external financial support, the ministry remains dedicated to its initiatives, particularly in remote and challenging-to-access regions.
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She underscored, “The mobilization of homegrown resources is a strategic imperative. It will guarantee the longevity of our efforts and accelerate progress towards achieving international objectives.”
Boureima Sanga, coordinator of REMAPSEN Burkina Faso, clarified that this gathering forms part of a broader strategy to advocate for change and enhance the capabilities of journalists.
He stated, “In an environment marked by multiple crises, it is crucial for the media to be well-versed in endogenous financing mechanisms. This knowledge empowers them to educate the public and bolster health sovereignty.”
REMAPSEN, established in June 2020, regularly organizes these national forums with the backing of the Ouagadougou Partnership, aiming to foster local and enduring solutions.