Burkina Faso’s mobile clinics revolutionize cervical cancer screening in rural areas

Ouagadougou – When Awa, a 48-year-old mother of six from Ipendo in Burkina Faso’s Centre-Ouest region, heard the town crier announce free cervical cancer screening nearby, she hesitated. “What if they told me I had the disease? How would I afford treatment?” she recalled. But thinking of her children, she decided to go—and her story reflects the journey of thousands of women across the country.

Cervical cancer has long been one of the deadliest cancers affecting women in Burkina Faso. Before the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global elimination strategy, screening coverage was dismally low—under 8%—with rural women facing the greatest barriers. Many had to travel long distances to reach equipped health centers, often lacking funds for transport or care. Trained healthcare workers were scarce, and awareness campaigns were nearly nonexistent.

Breaking barriers through bold government action Professor Nayi Zongo, a public health physician and coordinator of Burkina Faso’s National Cancer Control Program (PNLC), explains the government’s decisive steps: “A decree was issued to make screening and precancerous lesion treatment free of charge. Peripheral health centers were upgraded, and mobile clinics were introduced to bring services directly to women.”

These mobile units have become a cornerstone of health equity, reaching villages, farms, markets, and even family compounds. Women no longer need to abandon their daily work—such as farming or trading at local markets—to get screened. “Screening now comes to communities, allowing women to continue their livelihoods while protecting their health,” says Prof. Zongo.

A multi-faceted strategy for impact Burkina Faso’s approach combines several key strategies: removing financial barriers through free services, overcoming geographic obstacles with mobile clinics, and fostering community engagement. The country has also launched widespread awareness campaigns via television, radio, and popular events like “Pink October,” while forming a national cancer coalition involving civil society, community leaders, and media to drive demand for screening.

The WHO has played a pivotal role in supporting this vision. It provided technical assistance for national guidelines, trained health workers in early detection and treatment, and helped mobilize communities. “The WHO stood by us to build our capacity and ensure every woman—no matter where she lives—has access to this lifesaving service,” Prof. Zongo emphasizes.

Measurable success in one year Between October 2024 and September 2025, Burkina Faso’s mobile clinics conducted 468 outreach missions across multiple regions. These efforts reached nearly 2 million women, performed 106,446 screenings, treated 715 cases of precancerous lesions, and conducted 113 follow-up diagnostic exams. These numbers translate into lives saved and families protected.

A model for Africa According to Dr. Seydou Coulibaly, WHO Representative in Burkina Faso, this achievement underscores the power of collaboration and political commitment. “Burkina Faso proves that with strong leadership and context-specific solutions, seemingly insurmountable barriers can be overcome,” he states. He highlights the initiative’s global relevance: “Eliminating financial and geographic obstacles through free services and mobile clinics offers a replicable model for other African nations.”

Awa’s experience is a testament to the initiative’s impact. “We work in the fields, tend our gardens, and sell vegetables at the market,” she shares. “When I first heard about the screening, I was afraid. But hearing other women’s stories gave me courage. The day of the test, the health workers explained every step. When the result came back negative, I felt an enormous sense of relief. Now, I encourage all women to get screened. Early detection makes treatment so much easier.”

For many women, these mobile clinics do more than provide medical care—they offer their first opportunity to learn about cervical cancer, understand the risks, and discover prevention methods. This initial awareness is transformative, paving the way for prevention and early care.

Beyond health, this initiative embodies dignity, social justice, and hope for families. Each mobile clinic arriving in a village carries a powerful message: health is a right, not a privilege—and in Burkina Faso, that right is becoming a reality.