Bama: The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene launched National Family Planning Week in Bama, Burkina Faso, integrating it with World Breastfeeding Week and screenings for female cancers, STIs/HIV, and viral hepatitis. This health initiative, running from October 21 to 27, 2024, aims to enhance public health throughout the nation, offering free health services in public and private facilities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch took place in Bama, a rural commune near Bobo-Dioulasso, which hosts 12 Health and Social Promotion Centers (CSPS) and a Medical Center (CM). The CM, led by head physician Dramane Sourabié, faces challenges related to equipment, infrastructure, and personnel. Despite these issues, it provides comprehensive family planning services but lacks a dedicated room for such services. The center opened a listening and dialogue center for youth and seeks support from partners for equipment improvements.

During the National Family Planning Week, health authorities set up stan
ds offering contraceptive products and conducted awareness campaigns. Joseph Soubeiga, Director General of Health and Public Hygiene, highlighted plans for awareness campaigns on family planning, advocacy, and screenings for cervical precancerous lesions, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS. Village chief Oumarou Sanou and special delegation president Felix Bayé expressed hope that the health center’s challenges would be addressed, thanking the Ministry of Health and partners for their efforts and encouraging community participation.

The campaign, launched by Abraham Sondo, Secretary General of the Hauts-Bassins region, aligns with the government’s vision to improve public health, particularly for mothers and children. Yeri Silvie Traoré, regional health director, urged public involvement in reducing maternal and infant mortality and enhancing health indicators in the region.