The Council of Ministers of Burkina Faso, under the presidency of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has adopted a decree to modify the organizational structure of the Ministry of Health. This move aims to enhance the effectiveness of public health initiatives, aligning with the vision of the President of Faso. The decree, adopted on November 5, 2026, paves the way for the creation of several new health structures.
A key development from this decree is the establishment of the Burkinabé Traditional Medicine Agency. This agency is tasked with promoting and regulating traditional medicine in Burkina Faso, a sector that is widely used by the population. According to reports, over 80% of the population in Burkina Faso resorts to traditional medicine. The creation of this agency is expected to valorize the national medical heritage.
In addition to the Traditional Medicine Agency, the decree also provides for the creation of the Faso Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Faso CDC). This center is designed to strengthen the country's capacity to prevent and control diseases. Furthermore, the new organizational structure includes the establishment of a Secretariat General adjoint, which will oversee hospital structures and state-owned companies.
The restructuring also involves the creation of specialized structures, such as the Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for the Fight Against AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Moreover, a Technical Secretariat for health intelligence will be set up to enhance data collection and analysis for better health decision-making.
The reform aims to improve the territorial coverage of health services, with the creation of provincial health departments and hospital centers. This move is expected to bring health services closer to the population, thereby improving access to healthcare. The decree also provides for the dissolution of certain structures, including the Society for the Management of Equipment and Biomedical Maintenance (SOGEMAB).
The Minister of Health, Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, emphasized that this reorganization is aligned with the new territorial division and the establishment of communal medical centers (CMC). The goal is to implement the President's vision for public health more effectively. The changes are expected to enhance the efficiency and quality of health services in Burkina Faso.
The Council of Ministers' decision reflects the government's commitment to improving the health sector in Burkina Faso. With the establishment of the Traditional Medicine Agency and other health structures, the country is poised to strengthen its health system. The implementation of these changes will be crucial in enhancing the well-being of the Burkinabé population.
Key points
- The Burkinabé government has adopted a decree to create the Traditional Medicine Agency.
- The decree also provides for the establishment of the Faso Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- The reorganization aims to improve the territorial coverage of health services and enhance the efficiency of the health sector.
