Doulougou: The opening of the 6th National Congress of Medical Students (CNEM) of Burkina Faso was held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Saint Dominique University of West Africa (USDAO) in Gana, within the commune of Doulougou, Bazèga province. The congress spanned four days, centering on the theme: “Sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence in Burkina Faso in a context of security challenges.”
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Saint Dominique University of West Africa (USDAO) served as the venue for this significant gathering of medical students from Burkina Faso and neighboring countries. The congress provided a platform for students to engage and deliberate on pressing health concerns, underscoring the theme: ‘Sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence in Burkina Faso in a context of security challenges: Assessments, perspectives and involvement of medical students’.
Dr. Landry Ouédraogo, president of the organizing committee, emphasized that the congress was
designed as a space for dialogue, education, contemplation, and networking for emerging health professionals. Throughout the four-day event, participants attended conferences, panels, workshops, round tables, and community activities, where distinguished experts shared insights on sexual and reproductive health matters.
Aboubacar Sidiki Ouédraogo, a medical doctoral student and president of the Association of Medical Students (AEM) of Burkina Faso, highlighted the uniqueness of this edition due to the prevailing security situation in the country. He noted the importance of selecting a pertinent theme to explore how medical students can contribute meaningfully in such a context.
Dr. Sylvestre Tiendrebéogo, representing the Minister of Health and patron of the ceremony, pointed out the crucial role medical students play amid the security crisis, where women and young girls often face physical and sexual violence, jeopardizing their health, dignity, and futures. He urged students to engage in community educati
on on sexual and reproductive health rights and encouraged them to pursue training, research, and collaboration with health sector stakeholders.
The congress also saw participation from students hailing from Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Togo, reflecting a broader regional engagement in tackling these urgent health issues.