Burkina Faso
Country Overview
With a population of approximately 15.7 million, Burkina Faso is among the poorest countries in the world, ranking 173rd out of 179 countries on the UN’s Human Development Index. The population depends primarily on subsistence agriculture, which is affected by the region’s occasional droughts. More than one-third of children are stunted and/or underweight for their age, and the population is plagued by high rates of infectious disease, including malaria and all seven of the most common neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The entire population is at risk for lymphatic filariasis (LF); schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs), and trachoma are also highly endemic. Today the government is working to increase foreign investments, and received a threshold grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, signing a compact in July 2008 that focuses on infrastructure, agriculture, and land reform.
Current Efforts
The dedication of Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health to addressing the country’s NTD burden is evident; more than 70% of the funds needed to implement the country’s national NTD control programs are provided by the federal government. With the assistance of international organizations (including WHO, USAID, RISEAL, Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, and the Liverpool Centre for NTDs), the Ministry of Health has established vertical control programs to treat lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). Since 2006, it has been phasing in the integration of these efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness. A program to address trachoma is being built on the success of these programs.
Beginning in 2007, Burkina Faso received “fast-track” funding from the USAID NTD program, with a sub-grant from Research Triangle International to SCI, to implement a national four-year plan for integrated NTD control. Before this funding began, the country was approaching national coverage for LF, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and STHs.
In 2008, Global Network members and partners collectively treated more than 11 million people through various mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns. In January 2009, regional directors, field actors, and other staff were trained in conducting MDA campaigns as well as monitoring and evaluation techniques, and trachoma mapping was conducted in two regions.
Remaining Gap
With modest funds from international donors and cost-sharing by the government, Burkina Faso has made significant progress in the integrated control of NTDs. However, additional funding is needed to supplement the USAID funding to effectively deliver treatments. Funding is needed to support surgeries to treat hydrocele caused by LF, mitigating the disabling effects of this disease. As little as $2-3 million per year would leverage ongoing national efforts and help close the gap, benefiting millions of people across the country. To support NTD control efforts in Burkina Faso, population for NTDs, please click here.
