A significant financial boost has been approved for Burkina Faso’s health sector. The World Bank, through a €142 million (equivalent to US$150 million) credit from the International Development Association (IDA)*, alongside a US$17 million grant from the Global Financing Facility (GFF), will fund the Project for Strengthening Health System Performance and Resilience (PRPRSS).
This vital initiative primarily targets adolescents, women, and children under the age of five. Its core objectives include enhancing disease surveillance capabilities and improving access to and utilization of essential health and nutrition services. The project’s reach will extend nationwide, with a specific focus on supporting internally displaced persons and communities facing limited access to healthcare.
Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, emphasized the critical importance of human development for social inclusion, calling it a top priority for the institution. He stated, « This project is designed to bolster the government’s efforts in building resilience and effectively managing current health sector challenges. It also complements the recently approved Human Capital Protection Project, a $100.4 million initiative aimed at improving the delivery of fundamental social services. »
This project aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s strategy for the West and Central Africa region, which seeks to reinforce the social contract by strengthening key institutions responsible for delivering essential social services across the region.
Luc Laviolette, Head of the GFF Secretariat, highlighted the profound impact of investing in healthcare access for women, adolescents, and children, calling it « one of the most valuable investments governments can make to steer countries towards development and prosperity. » He added that the GFF is proud to support the government of Burkina Faso in developing a robust and resilient health system that ensures healthcare provision for these populations, even in the most vulnerable areas.
According to Moussa Dieng, the World Bank’s Health Portfolio Manager, this project arrives at a crucial time. « It will significantly enhance the nation’s capacity for health emergency preparedness and response, simultaneously elevating the quality and utilization of health and nutrition services, » Dieng explained. He further noted that the initiative would extend the World Bank’s ongoing support for various reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Health, aiming to strengthen governance, promote equity, and ensure sustainable financing within the health sector.
