The Ministry of Health in Burkina Faso has stepped up its efforts to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and early screening. On November 9, the ministry gathered media professionals in Ouagadougou to discuss the manifestations of the disease, its risk factors, and prevention methods. This meeting, organized by the Directorate of Protection and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, aimed to present actions taken to improve diabetes prevention and management.
According to Dr. Olivia Marie-Angèle Awa Ouédraogo, Director of the Directorate of Protection and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, diabetes is a significant public health challenge in Burkina Faso. National surveys cited during the meeting revealed that the prevalence of diabetes has increased from 4.9% in 2013 to 7.6% in 2021. Dr. Ouédraogo highlighted the characteristics of type 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes, emphasizing the risks of complications.
The Ministry of Health is implementing a strategic plan to combat non-communicable diseases, including measures to reduce sugar, salt, and fat consumption. Since December 2025, the management of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes and simple arterial hypertension has been decentralized to health facilities. Prevention relies on balanced eating, regular physical activity, quitting smoking and alcohol, and annual blood glucose monitoring.
The ministry's partnership with the NGO Santé-Diabète, represented by its country director, Abdoulaye Traoré, has been ongoing since 2010. The NGO has reaffirmed its commitment to screening, awareness-raising in schools, and supporting people living with diabetes. By mobilizing the media, the ministry aims to strengthen public information and promote an essential reflex: acting early to prevent complications.
World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14, has the theme "Act Early Against Diabetes." The ministry's awareness campaign seeks to educate the public about the importance of early detection and prevention. The country's increasing diabetes prevalence underscores the need for concerted efforts to address this growing health concern.
Key strategies for diabetes prevention and management include promoting healthy lifestyles, such as balanced diets and regular physical activity. The ministry encourages the public to adopt these habits and to undergo regular health check-ups to detect any potential issues early.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Santé-Diabète demonstrates a commitment to addressing the diabetes challenge in Burkina Faso. By working together, they aim to improve diabetes prevention, detection, and management, ultimately reducing the risks associated with the disease.
Key points
- The prevalence of diabetes in Burkina Faso has increased from 4.9% in 2013 to 7.6% in 2021.
- The Ministry of Health has decentralized the management of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes and simple arterial hypertension to health facilities since December 2025.
- The awareness campaign aims to promote an essential reflex: acting early to prevent diabetes complications.
