Léo Health Council Addresses Dengue Situation and Public Health Progress

Léo – The District Health Council (CSD) of Léo, in the Center-West region of Sissili province, convened on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, to discuss various public health issues, including the current dengue situation. The meeting was chaired by Téwendé Isaac Sia, the High Commissioner of Sissili province.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Council reviewed the implementation of recommendations from the 2019 CSD, the mid-term status of the 2023 action plan, and strategies to enhance community involvement in healthcare operations. The Chief Medical Officer of Léo’s health district, Dr. Aboubacary Abdou, shared updates on these topics.

Dr. Abdou expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the majority of the 2019 recommendations. These advances span various public health areas, demonstrating an overall improvement in services and community awareness of health issues. Despite these achievements, he emphasized the need for further efforts to fully implement all recommendations and strengthen healthcare services.

The Council’s mid-term review of the 2023 action plan highlighted significant advancements in vaccination, combating communicable diseases like malaria and dengue fever, maternal and child health, and promoting a healthy environment. Challenges still remain, particularly in achieving universal health coverage, improving access to care for vulnerable populations, and managing human and financial resources.

Community participation in healthcare operations was recognized as vital for enhancing service efficiency and accessibility. The CSD members advocated for stronger collaboration between healthcare facilities and local communities, emphasizing the importance of regularly motivating community-based health workers and actively involving them in health program planning and implementation.

The dengue situation, a primary concern, was also discussed. Dr. Abdou presented the current status, noting that the Léo health district has registered 137 suspected dengue cases, including 104 probable cases, but fortunately no deaths. This situation underlines the urgency of intensifying prevention and control measures for the disease.

In response to these discussions, Téwendé Isaac Sia, the High Commissioner of the Sissili province, called on all health stakeholders to actively participate in addressing the health challenges in the Léo district. This involvement is crucial for the successful implementation of health programs and the overall improvement of public health in the region.