The inaugural National Forum on Health Financing (FONAFIS) in Burkina Faso, which commenced on March 25 under the patronage of Burkinabe Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo in Ouagadougou, concluded its proceedings on March 27.
This high-level gathering brought together prominent political figures, both local and international experts, alongside technical and financial partners (TFPs). Their discussions centered on critical issues concerning resource mobilization for public health in Africa and strategies to reduce dependency on external financing. A core objective for the organizers was also to enhance the resilience of African health systems in the face of various crises.
During the forum on March 25, Mohamed Janabi, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, presented an overview of the health financing landscape across the continent. He highlighted a significant challenge, noting that a quarter of all health expenditures in the African region are sourced from external contributions.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo subsequently affirmed that health sovereignty is a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s national transformation agenda. This initiative, part of the Progressive Popular Revolution launched in September 2022, underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to independently finance its national health system through its own resources.