The World Bank has approved a €142 million credit and a $17 million grant to support Burkina Faso's health system. The funding, sourced from the International Development Association (IDA) and the Global Financing Facility (GFF), will finance the Strengthening Health System Performance and Resilience Project (PRPRSS). This initiative aims to improve disease surveillance and increase access to health services for adolescents, women, and children under five across the country, with a focus on internally displaced persons and communities with limited healthcare access.
Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, World Bank Country Manager for Burkina Faso, emphasized the importance of human development: “Human development is critical for social inclusion and a top priority for the World Bank. This project is aimed at supporting the government’s efforts to build resilience and manage the current challenges in the health sector. It complements the recently approved $100.4 million Human Capital Protection Project that aims to improve the delivery of basic social services.”
The project aligns with the World Bank’s strategy for Western and Central Africa, which seeks to strengthen institutions delivering basic social services. Luc Laviolette from GFF highlighted that "Access to health care for women, adolescents, and children is one of the most valuable investments that governments can make to place their countries on a path toward development and prosperity."
Moussa Dieng, Senior Health Economist at the World Bank, stated: “The timing of this project is just right as it will help strengthen the country’s capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies while improving the quality and use of health and nutrition services.” He added that it would also support ongoing reforms by Burkina Faso's Ministry of Health aimed at enhancing governance, equity, and sustainable financing in healthcare.