WHO’s 2024-2025 biennial report: strengthening health resilience in Burkina Faso

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2024-2025 biennial report for Burkina Faso details significant accomplishments achieved despite persistent security, humanitarian, and climatic challenges. This report highlights crucial progress in strengthening health resilience and improving access to care across the nation.

Key achievements include the widespread implementation of the malaria vaccine across all 70 health districts, marking a pivotal step for malaria prevention and safeguarding children’s health. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the introduction of the WHO PEN package in six health districts, which enhances integrated management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within primary healthcare settings.

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 Burkina Faso’s national commitment to promoting public health and mitigating preventable risk factors.

WHO-backed initiatives targeting malaria control have continued to yield substantial, widespread impact. Over 5 million children received seasonal malaria chemoprevention, while approximately 15 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed nationwide. These efforts are central to malaria prevention in Burkina Faso.

In vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas, the WHO played a crucial role in ensuring the continuous provision of essential health services. This was achieved through the deployment of advanced health posts and mobile clinics, alongside the delivery of 58 tons of vital medicines and medical equipment to support at-risk populations.

The report also highlights foundational advancements in health information systems. Notably, the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in four reference hospitals marks a critical step towards enhancing data quality, improving mortality surveillance, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.

These outcomes underscore Burkina Faso’s significant progress in building health system resilience, strengthening vital services, and safeguarding its population. They also pinpoint strategic priorities for further consolidation in upcoming programmatic cycles, ensuring sustained public health improvements.