Ouahigouya: The High Commissioner of Yatenga Province, Tassere Nacoulma, presided over an official ceremony in Ouahigouya to present donations to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and technical services in the Yaadga region. The event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), AIB noted.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the IOM provided dignity kits, medical-technical equipment, rolling stock, and technological materials to support victims of GBV and enhance health and humanitarian services in Yaadga. This initiative is part of a project aimed at strengthening psychosocial support and mental health services in violence-affected regions of Burkina Faso, specifically the East, Sahel, and North, funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

Tassere Nacoulma highlighted that this support is crucial for boosting the operational capabilities of technical services in aiding GBV victims. He encouraged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and effectively. On behalf of the regional governor, Nacoulma expressed gratitude to the IOM for its ongoing efforts to assist the state in development and humanitarian care.

Minata Diakite/Sirima, the representative of the IOM Chief of Mission, emphasized the goal of improving access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services for vulnerable populations, especially those at risk of protection issues and gender-based violence. She acknowledged the collaboration with partners like OCHA that enabled resource mobilization to support the Burkinabe government.

Laurent Samanyounga, the regional director of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity of Yaadga, confirmed that the materials received will aid individuals facing mental and psychosocial distress. “This equipment will allow us to respond quickly to the needs of populations experiencing mental and social difficulties in the four provinces of the region: Loroum, Passore, Zondoma, and Yatenga,” he stated.