The inaugural edition of the National Health Financing Forum (FONAFIS) in Burkina Faso concluded on March 27, following its launch two days prior by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo in Ouagadougou.

key discussions and objectives of the forum

This high-level gathering brought together policymakers, local and international experts, and technical and financial partners (PTF) to address critical challenges in health financing. The primary focus was on mobilizing domestic resources and reducing reliance on external funding for public health systems across Africa. Strengthening the resilience of health systems to withstand crises was another central theme for organizers.

insights from global health leaders

On the opening day, Mohamed Janabi, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, highlighted the urgency of the issue. He noted that one-quarter of health expenditures in the region are currently sourced from external contributions, underscoring the need for sustainable, locally driven solutions.

Prime Minister Ouédraogo emphasized the importance of health sovereignty as a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s ongoing national transformation project, the Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP), launched in September 2022. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to financing its health system independently, without overreliance on external aid.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst