Burkina Faso, 25-28 November 2024 – A delegation from HeDPAC, led by CEO Haileyesus Getahun, has concluded a scoping mission in Burkina Faso aimed to support the country’s community health program. The visit highlighted HeDPAC’s commitment to sustainability, enhanced government ownership, and resilient health systems, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
During a high-level meeting with His Excellency Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, Minister of Health, the HeDPAC team commended the Ministry’s achievements in ensuring access to essential health services through a well-integrated community health worker (CHW) platform. Despite challenges posed by insecurity, the MOH deploys commendable efforts to maintain essential health services in conflict-affected regions through the community health worker-based platforms. Worth mentioning the ongoing process of transitioning
CHWs, specifically those called Agents Itinérants de Santé who were mobile community health workers into civil service roles which was lauded as a vital step for program sustainability.
Senior representatives from the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Schools underscored the indispensable role of CHWs in delivering primary healthcare. Discussions addressed pressing challenges, including the need for capacity enhancement, tool modernization, and supply chain optimization. Solutions to tackle these issues were actively explored during the delegation’s visit.
The mission culminated in a productive dialogue with the Ministry of Health team, led by Secretary General Dr. Issa Ouedraogo. HeDPAC emphasized its commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s efforts in building a robust community health system by promoting government leadership and fostering local ownership.
Strengthening the Community Health Workforce
Burkina Faso’s health sector continues to make strides at the primary care level through its structured community health system. A critical focus has been the transition of Agents Itinérants de Santé (AIS) into the more specialized role of Agents de Santé Communautaires (ASC), reflecting the country’s emphasis on building a more qualified and sustainable health workforce.
Community mobilization remains a cornerstone of the program, with active involvement of youth, women, men, and indigenous community-based organizations. This inclusive approach strengthens the connection between health services and the communities they serve, ensuring better outcomes and long-term resilience.
Key Recommendations for Sustainability and Growth
The HeDPAC delegation worked closely with Ministry officials to identify and prioritize actionable recommendations, including:
- Rationalizing ASC Allocation: Ensuring equitable distribution of ASCs to health posts with adequate time to community activities to address pressing local needs.
- Expanding Career Pathways: Creating opportunities for professional growth within the health sector.
- Capacity Building and Digitalization: Enhancing workforce skills and integrating digital tools for improved health service delivery.
- Supply Chain Improvements: Addressing critical gaps in medical supply systems to ensure continuity of care.
These recommendations aim to not only address current challenges but also create a framework for the future growth of Burkina Faso’s community health program.
Moving Forward with Shared Vision
As HeDPAC continues its partnership with Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health, the organization will focus on aligning its efforts with the broader vision of a resilient, community-driven healthcare system. The hashtag #MOH has been adopted to foster collaboration, innovation, and visibility for this critical initiative.
HeDPAC’s mission aligns with the global goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, particularly in regions facing unique health and development challenges. By integrating lessons learned and leveraging the collective expertise of government and local stakeholders, the path toward stronger community health systems becomes increasingly attainable.
