The first National Forum on Health Financing (FONAFIS) in Burkina Faso, which commenced on March 25th, drawing in attendees to Ouagadougou, wrapped up its proceedings on March 27th. The event was officially opened by Burkinabè Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.
This significant gathering brought together a diverse group including political leaders, both local and international experts, and Technical and Financial Partners (PTF). Discussions centered on crucial issues such as bolstering resource mobilization and strategically decreasing dependence on external funding for public health initiatives across Africa. A key objective for the organizers was also to enhance the African continent’s healthcare system’s ability to withstand various crises.
During the opening day, March 25th, Mohamed Janabi, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, presented an overview of the health financing landscape in Africa. He highlighted a notable statistic: approximately one-quarter of all health expenditures within the region currently originate from external sources.
Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo underscored the importance of “health sovereignty” as a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s national transformation agenda, a process initiated with the Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP) in September 2022. He reiterated the Burkinabè government’s firm resolve to independently secure the necessary funding for its national healthcare system.
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