The 15th edition of the Community Health Day in Burkina Faso kicked off on November 9, 2026, in Ouagadougou. Organized by the Convergence communautaire du Faso (COCOFA), the two-day event gathers stakeholders to address the crucial issue of sustainable financing for community health. This year's theme, "Resilient Community Health: Strengthening Actor Synergy and Inclusive Solidarity for Sustainable Financing," aims to be a strategic turning point for Burkina Faso's healthcare system.
According to Hamdy Koanda, president of the organizing committee, this year's theme is more than just a slogan. It's a call to action that places the responsibility on all actors to find ways and means to sustainably finance their own health. The theme is a direct extension of the conclusions from the last national forum on health financing and aligns with the national development plan RELANCE 2026-2030, which emphasizes endogenous development and national sovereignty.
Édouard Dapa, President of COCOFA's board of directors, emphasized the need to equip field actors with enhanced means of action to ensure the effectiveness of interventions. He proposed several key recommendations, including strengthening the community health department, optimizing the capacities of community-based organizations and agents, and allocating a dedicated budget line to support COCOFA's activities.
Margret Verwijk, chargé d'affaires of the Dutch Embassy, praised Burkina Faso's efforts to improve access to healthcare, citing national health development policies and the 2024-2028 national community health strategy. However, she noted that challenges persist, including security and humanitarian constraints, difficulties in accessing essential services, and limited resources. She stressed the importance of solidarity, responsible mobilization of local resources, and durable partnerships.
Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Arzouma Ouédraogo invited participants to transform discussions into concrete and operational actions adapted to the field. He expects proposals to strengthen actor coordination, reconcile financing mechanisms, and improve protection for vulnerable groups. He also called on COCOFA to capitalize on the meeting's conclusions and propose a framework for monitoring recommendations.
The event has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and international partners. The synergy between authorities, civil society, and partners is seen as crucial for improving healthcare and dignity for populations. The Dutch Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable solutions and multilateral cooperation.
The 15th Community Health Day will conclude on November 10, 2026, with expected outcomes including proposals for sustainable financing and strengthened coordination among actors. The event aims to contribute to the development of a resilient community health system in Burkina Faso, despite ongoing challenges.
Key points
- The event's theme emphasizes the need for sustainable financing and solidarity in community health.
- Stakeholders are calling for increased resources and coordination to improve healthcare access.
- The Ministry of Health expects concrete proposals to emerge from the discussions.
