Burkina faso: The Ministry of Health has initiated a free pediatric reconstructive surgery campaign at the Tengandogo University Hospital Center to treat 20 children suffering from anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung's disease.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the campaign is scheduled from August 31 to September 4, 2026, and is being conducted in collaboration with the Burkinabe Society of Pediatric Surgery. This initiative allows the affected children to receive necessary surgeries at no cost to their families. On the first day, three children successfully underwent operations performed by specialists.

The Secretary General of the Burkinabe Society of Pediatric Surgery, Isso Oudraogo, explained that these congenital malformations can impede normal stool passage and sometimes require multiple procedures, including colostomy, reconstructive surgery, and digestive continuity restoration.

Lin Somda, Director General of the Tengandogo University Hospital, expressed his satisfaction with the hospital being selected to host the campaign. He emphasized that the initiative also serves as a valuable training opportunity for pediatric surgeons involved in the operations, enhancing their surgical skills.

Bassidou Sar, technical advisor at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the campaign's significance in addressing the health needs of the population, particularly children, who make up a substantial portion of the Burkinabe population. He stressed the importance of improving access to specialized care, noting that 47% of the population is under the age of 15.

To broaden the reach of specialized pediatric care, Sar announced that pediatric surgery teams are also visiting various localities, including Tenkodogo, Ziniar, Fada, and Waibouya, as part of an advanced strategy surgery initiative. The campaign aims to enhance the quality of life for children undergoing surgery and establish a sustainable pediatric surgery service throughout Burkina Faso.