The inaugural National Forum on Health Financing (FONAFIS), which commenced on March 25 in Ouagadougou under the patronage of Burkinabè Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, concluded on March 27.
This significant gathering brought together political leaders, both local and international experts, alongside technical and financial partners (PTF). The discussions centered on critical issues such as enhancing resource mobilization and lessening reliance on external funding for public health initiatives across Africa. A key priority for the organizers was also to bolster the resilience of the African continent’s health systems against various crises.
During the opening day on March 25, Mohamed Janabi, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, presented an overview of health financing in the region. He underscored that a substantial portion—one-quarter—of Africa’s health expenditures originates from foreign sources.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo emphasized that “health sovereignty” is a fundamental pillar of Burkina Faso’s national transformation agenda, which has been propelled by a Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP) since September 2022. He reiterated the Burkinabè executive’s unwavering commitment to independently fund its national health system.
