The African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN) convened a pivotal discussion on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, addressing the critical topic: “Security crisis and declining external funding: what endogenous alternatives can guarantee sexual and reproductive health/family planning rights in Burkina Faso?”
Amidst an ongoing security crisis and the gradual withdrawal of international donors, Burkina Faso faces a significant challenge: maintaining access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
Historically, approximately 81% of the funding for this sector originated from foreign partners, according to data from the Ministry of Health. In recent years, this external contribution has seen a sharp decline, compelling national stakeholders to devise internal strategies and solutions.
For Désiré Thiombiano, director of AMS Synergie Burkina Faso, the pathway forward lies in fostering greater awareness and directly engaging communities.
He emphasized, “we can no longer simply await the return of our partners. It is imperative that we, as a nation, invest in sexual health to prevent issues like early pregnancies, child marriages, and maternal mortality.”
To achieve this, the expert recommended several key actions: educating the populace on the necessity of their own contributions to resource mobilization; bolstering positive masculinity by involving influential opinion and religious leaders in communication and advocacy efforts; and finally, formalizing community-level fundraising through territorial collectives to ensure transparent and sustainable management of these essential funds.
Dr. Clarisse Bougma, representing the director of family health, highlighted the Burkinabè state’s ongoing commitment. From 2020 to 2025, the government allocated nearly 3.9 billion CFA francs towards procuring contraceptive products. Despite the reduction in external financing, the ministry is determined to continue its initiatives, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access regions.
“Mobilizing endogenous resources is a strategic imperative. This approach will ensure the long-term viability of our efforts and accelerate progress towards international objectives,” she affirmed.
Boureima Sanga, the coordinator of REMAPSEN Burkina Faso, explained that this gathering forms part of a broader advocacy drive aimed at enhancing the capabilities of journalists.
“In a period marked by multiple crises, it is crucial for media professionals to be well-versed in endogenous financing mechanisms. This knowledge empowers them to raise public awareness and champion health sovereignty,” he stated.
REMAPSEN, established in June 2020, regularly organizes such national forums, supported by the Ouagadougou Partnership, to foster and promote sustainable, local solutions.
