The Ministry of Health in Burkina Faso has introduced a new digital platform called "Laafiako", which translates to "health questions" in the local Dioula language. The platform was launched on November 2, 2026, in Ouagadougou, with the aim of strengthening dialogue between healthcare users and providers. This initiative seeks to improve the quality of healthcare services in the country.
The "Laafiako" platform provides four main channels for the public to express their healthcare concerns. These include a dedicated website at laafiako.minsante.bf, a network of 108 Service d'Accueil et d'Information (SAI) centers with 233 staff across the country, a toll-free hotline (3535) operated by the CORUS call center, and a WhatsApp number (52253030).
The primary objective of "Laafiako" is to enable healthcare users to report complaints, provide suggestions, request information, and highlight dysfunctions in healthcare facilities across Burkina Faso. By doing so, the platform aims to contribute to the continuous improvement of healthcare quality, enhance user feedback, and monitor public healthcare services more effectively.
According to Health Minister Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, the quality of a healthcare system is not solely measured by its infrastructure, equipment, and services. Rather, it is also evaluated by its ability to listen to the population, address their concerns, and respond to the challenges they face. The minister emphasized that "Laafiako" will help achieve this goal.
The platform allows users to submit four main categories of requests: denunciations, complaints, information requests, and suggestions. The minister explained that each received request will be recorded, analyzed, and directed to the relevant structure for verification based on the nature of the request. The expected response time is 10 days, with special follow-up for cases requiring further investigation.
The coordination of "Laafiako" is ensured by the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Health through the SAI services. Minister Kargougou invited citizens, healthcare structures, and professionals to take ownership of the platform and use it effectively. The goal is to transform expressed concerns into concrete improvement opportunities.
The launch of "Laafiako" demonstrates the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare services in Burkina Faso. By providing a dedicated channel for public feedback, the Ministry of Health aims to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and users, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.
Key points
- The "Laafiako" platform provides multiple channels for the public to express healthcare concerns.
- The platform aims to improve healthcare quality and user feedback.
- A 10-day response time is expected for addressing public concerns.
