Bougouriba: Administrative, health, traditional, and religious authorities, along with opinion leaders from Bougouriba province, gathered in Dibougou to advocate and mobilize for the first National Vector Control Days (JNLAV). The meeting, which took place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, was led by the High Commissioner of the province, Amidou Konat, who also serves as president of the district health council. The event aimed to rally support for the national campaign against malaria, scheduled for August 8 to 9, 2026, in the province.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the National Vector Control Days aim to reduce malaria transmission by institutionalizing regular actions to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and sustain sanitation efforts in living environments. Dr. Fassal Nikima, the Chief Medical Officer of the Dibougou health district, emphasized that malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death in local health facilities, particularly during the rainy season when mosquito populations surge. He asserted that strong community mobilization is essential to mitigate the disease's impact.
In Bougouriba, the initiatives for this inaugural event include cleaning gutters, eliminating larval breeding grounds in public spaces, collecting and managing used tires, and sanitizing illegal garbage dumps. High Commissioner Amidou Konat urged all community forces to embrace the initiative by participating actively in the planned activities.
"The fight against malaria is everyone's business. Every citizen must take concrete steps to clean up their environment in order to protect their family and community," he stated, encouraging local authorities, technical services, community organizations, and traditional and religious leaders to continue raising awareness to ensure robust population participation.
Health authorities aim to bolster preventive measures through this campaign, accelerating efforts to sustainably reduce malaria with the goal of eliminating it as a significant public health issue in Burkina Faso by 2030.