The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024–2025 biennial report for Burkina Faso highlights significant achievements despite persistent security, humanitarian, and climatic challenges.
Key accomplishments include the widespread implementation of the malaria vaccine across all 70 health districts, marking a pivotal step in malaria prevention and safeguarding children’s health. Furthermore, the report notes the introduction of the WHO PEN package in six health districts, which enhances integrated management of non-communicable diseases at the primary healthcare level.
A significant regulatory milestone during this two-year period was the enactment of an anti-tobacco decree, prohibiting smoking in public spaces and on public transport. This demonstrates the nation’s commitment to public health promotion and mitigating preventable risk factors.
WHO-backed initiatives against malaria continued to yield extensive results: over 5 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and approximately 15 million insecticide-treated nets were distributed nationwide.
In vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas, the WHO played a crucial role in maintaining essential services by deploying advanced health posts and mobile clinics. Concurrently, 58 tons of vital medicines and medical equipment were delivered to benefit at-risk populations.
The report also highlights foundational advancements in health information systems, notably the adoption of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in four referral hospitals. This represents a critical step towards enhancing data quality, improving mortality surveillance, and enabling evidence-based decision-making.
These outcomes underscore Burkina Faso’s progress in building a resilient health system, strengthening services, and safeguarding its people, while also identifying strategic priorities for future programmatic phases.