Baku: Burkina Faso and Togo have initiated a collaborative effort to combat malaria among children along their shared border. The initiative was officially kicked off by the Minister of Health of Burkina Faso, Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, and his Togolese counterpart, Professor Jean-Marie Tessi, in Cinkans, Yargatenga commune. The campaign targets children aged 3 to 59 months in the border districts of both countries.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch ceremony was followed by a field visit by the Burkinabe minister to the Cinkans Medical Center, which is undergoing expansion. Accompanied by the governor of the Nakamb region, Dr. Kargougou toured the medical facility, interacting with healthcare workers and patients. He commended the medical staff for their dedication, referring to them as "VDP of Health" for their daily sacrifices to serve the border town's residents.
The minister urged the healthcare teams to maintain their commitment and professionalism, while reiterating the government's dedication to enhancing access to quality healthcare. The chief medical officer of the Ouargaye health district, Dr. Morou Niki¨ma, and the head of the Cinkans Medical Center, Dr. Aboubacar Oudraogo, described the visit as inspiring for the healthcare workers.
Health officials reported that the Cinkans Medical Centre handles an average of 4,000 patients and nearly 200 deliveries monthly, highlighting its crucial role in the region. The ministerial delegation also reviewed the construction site of the Medical Center, part of the Presidential Initiative for Health, expressing satisfaction with its progress and anticipated improvements in working conditions and patient care.
Following the medical center visit, the delegation proceeded to the Cinkans border post and then to the AS Douanes stadium for the official campaign launch, which included artistic and cultural performances. Mahamadou Saramb, president of the Special Delegation of Yargatenga, welcomed the bilateral commitment to tackling malaria in border areas.
Professor Jean-Marie Tessi, the Togolese Minister of Health, thanked the Burkinabe authorities for their hospitality, underscoring the campaign's significance as a testament to the countries' cooperation. He highlighted the necessity of considering neighboring realities in effective prevention policies.
Dr. Kargougou expressed gratitude to his Togolese counterpart and their countries' leaders for prioritizing health cooperation. He noted that the initiative aligns with the visions of Captain Ibrahim Traor, President of Faso, and Mr. Faure Gnassingb, President of the Council of the Togolese Republic, who emphasize population protection and health sovereignty.
The ministers acknowledged technical and financial partners for their support in fortifying health systems and combating malaria. They concluded by launching the cross-border malaria chemoprevention campaign, administering the preventive product to children free of charge from July 23 to 26, 2026.