Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – From May 28 to May 30, 2024, Burkina Faso’s national police are hosting a three-day event, “72 hours of preventive health,” aimed at enhancing community relations and raising awareness of their health services. The theme for this year’s event is “Contribution of the health services of the national police to the well-being of the police officers and the population.”
According to Burkina Information Agency, vice-president of the organizing committee, this initiative was inspired by the realization that the health services provided by the national police are not widely recognized by the general populace. Captain Bouanou explained that the goal of the event is to improve healthcare for police officers and the broader community, thereby enhancing their overall well-being. He emphasized the role of health in strengthening civil protection forces and supporting the population’s economic and social development.
The recent changes in the security landscape have necessitated a more active involvement of the national police in healthcare, particularly in treating injuries and providing psychological support to officers engaged in national defense efforts. Captain Bouanou highlighted the importance of this event in fostering cooperation between the police and the public, crucial for regaining control over national territories.
Ousmane Compaoré, a local resident who attended the event for a consultation, praised the initiative for its significant impact on underprivileged communities by offering them accessible, quality healthcare. He expressed gratitude towards the national police for their civic engagement and expressed hope for the continuation and expansion of this initiative to more regions across Burkina Faso.