Ouagadougou: The Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (SP/CNLS-IST) has launched a new initiative to combat HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso. On Tuesday, a workshop was held to validate the national strategic plan for 2026-2030, marking a significant step in the country's ongoing efforts to address the epidemic.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative follows notable progress made over the past five years under the leadership of the Head of State. Seydou Ouattara, Permanent Secretary of the SP/CNLS-IST, emphasized the role of community actors and both public and private sectors, supported by technical and financial partners, in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Ouattara highlighted significant achievements in prevention, screening, treatment, and support for those living with HIV, noting a seroprevalence rate of 0.5% in the general population. Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly among certain groups with high prevalence rates, access to services, and securing sustainable funding.

He explained that the strategic plan was developed through a participatory and multi-sectoral approach, focusing on reducing new infections, decreasing HIV-related mortality, and enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals. Strengthening governance was also identified as a priority to ensure the long-term sustainability of the response.

Joy Backory, representing the Technical and Financial Partners in Burkina Faso and UNAIDS Country Director, acknowledged the importance of the strategic plan's validation. Backory stressed the need for innovative prevention tools, universal access to screening and treatment, and bolstered community leadership to tackle the disease effectively.

The workshop aims to produce a comprehensive and practical strategy that addresses the needs of communities and stakeholders involved in the response, thereby finalizing an ambitious plan for the coming years.