Burkina Faso

Severe food insecurity and the risk of malnutrition are prevalent in the population of Burkina Faso. 2.8 million people are facing acute food insecurity, including 53 % of women and 50 % of children, and 1.3 million people are in need of nutrition, among them 69 % of women and 53 % of children.

More generally, it’s estimated that 2 million people need healthcare, including 50 % of women and 55 % of children. As well as malaria, which is endemic in the region, in 2024 the country was hit by measles and hepatitis E epidemics. Furthermore, every day around two deaths from cervical cancer are recorded. This is in a country with widespread shortages of the resources and specialist equipment necessary to ensure the availability of vaccination, screening and treatment of lesions.

Médecins du Monde is supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Health to tackle cervical cancer through screening and early treatment of precancerous lesions in women aged 25 to 55. We’re also involved in advocacy work aimed at the authorities. We train healthcare staff in the Baskuy health district in Ouagadougou, supply health facilities with equipment for screening for the HPV virus which causes cervical cancer, and provide support to the women affected.

In 2024, 5,761 women were screened, 4,779 of them for the first time. During the course of the year 102 cases of precancerous lesions were treated and 2,000 women and girls received menstrual hygiene kits.

Médecins du Monde has been supporting the Ministry of Health and local organisations within the Baskuy health district in Ouagadougou since 2021 with their programme to promote access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for young people aged between 10 and 24.

We support medical, community and advocacy activities to improve access to care, disseminate information about available health services and remove the institutional and legal barriers which prevent young people from fully enjoying their health-related rights.

Since February 2024, Médecins du Monde has been working with the Dandé and Houndé health districts in the Hauts-Bassins region. We are seeking to develop the capacity of health facilities and promote an integrated approach to the national health system, including sexual and reproductive health and mental healthcare within primary care. We have provided consultations for 79,916 people and offered support with sexual and reproductive care to 15,198 people.