Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe government, in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), has initiated a 36-month project valued at nearly 6 billion CFA francs at the Bogodogo University Hospital (CHU-B) to enhance healthcare quality and access for the population.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, highlighted the project's significance during the official launch at CHU-B. The initiative aims to fortify healthcare provision and elevate service quality, focusing on medical-technical maintenance and combating viral hepatitis in Burkina Faso.

The project, amounting to 5 billion 900 million FCFA over three years, is a collaborative effort involving various partners such as the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Padua (UNIPD), and the Medical Missionary Aspiring University College (CUAMM).

Dr. Kargougou commended Italy's continued support at a time when some countries are reducing their health sector assistance. He emphasized the project's alignment with President Captain Ibrahim Traor©'s vision of providing quality healthcare to the Burkinabe people.

The project comprises three components, with UNOPS handling the first, which involves rehabilitation, construction, and medical equipment acquisition. The WHO will implement the second component, focusing on enhancing CHU-B's management capacities and addressing viral hepatitis. The third component, concerning the prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C, will be executed by the University College of Aspiring Missionary Doctors with Africa and the Higher Institute of Health of Italy.

Seydou Nombr©, Director General of CHU-B, stated that his hospital will benefit significantly, receiving 90% of the project's resources. He noted that the project will expand the hospital's surgical capacity by increasing the number of operating rooms from two to four.

Laura Bonauti, director of AICS, expressed that the project will reinforce the longstanding ties between Burkina Faso and Italy, highlighting Italy's commitment to alleviating the population's health challenges. Since 1980, Italy has been involved in improving Burkina Faso's health sector.