New world bank funding to boost health system in Burkina Faso

WASHINGTON — The World Bank has greenlit a €142 million (USD 150 million) credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $17 million grant from the Global Financing Facility (GFF) to fund the Performance and Resilience Strengthening Health System Project (PRPRSS) in Burkina Faso.

This initiative focuses on adolescents, women, and children under five, aiming to enhance disease surveillance, healthcare service utilization, and nutrition. The project will span the entire country, with special emphasis on internally displaced persons and underserved communities.

«Human development is the cornerstone of social inclusion and a top priority for the World Bank. This project complements the government’s efforts to build resilience and address current health sector challenges. It aligns with the recently approved Human Capital Protection Project, worth $100.4 million, which aims to improve the delivery of essential social services,» stated Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, World Bank Resident Representative in Burkina Faso.

The project is in line with the World Bank’s West and Central Africa regional strategy, which seeks to strengthen the social contract by bolstering core institutions responsible for delivering essential services.

«Ensuring women, adolescents, and children have access to healthcare is one of the most impactful investments governments can make to drive development and prosperity. The GFF is proud to support the Government of Burkina Faso in building an effective and resilient health system, ensuring these populations—including those in the most vulnerable areas—receive the care they need,» noted Luc Laviolette, Head of the GFF Secretariat.

«This timely initiative will strengthen Burkina Faso’s capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies while improving the quality and uptake of health and nutrition services. It will also support ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Health to enhance governance, equity, and sustainable financing in the health sector,» explained Moussa Dieng, World Bank Health Portfolio Manager.