Burkina faso: A study conducted by the NGO Christian Aid in collaboration with the NGO ATAD on the implementation of the national policy of free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years of age concludes that this measure brings real relief to the population.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the study conducted from February to May 2026 in the Hauts-Bassins, Centre-Ouest, and Centre regions, reveals that the policy of free healthcare is widely known and appreciated by the population. Beneficiaries particularly welcome the significant financial relief and improved access to health services.
This study, carried out as part of the "Promoting Taxation in the Service of Women" project, aimed to collect the perceptions of beneficiaries, civil society organizations, and health actors, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the system, to analyze the obstacles limiting effective access to free care, and to assess the impacts of this measure on households and health facilities.
According to Narcisse Dabir©, director of Christian Aid in Burkina Faso, this research is part of a broader effort to promote fairer and gender-sensitive taxation. "Our ambition is to contribute to the improvement of this key public policy through concrete recommendations for policymakers," he stated.
However, several challenges remain, including long queues, the occasional unavailability of certain medications sometimes forcing beneficiaries to make unexpected payments, and the workload overload in some health facilities.
For the lead researcher, Dr. Blandine Bila/Ou©draogo, this measure remains essential and highly anticipated by the population. "Free services truly relieve households, but the question of its sustainability and the improvement of its operation is a pressing one," she emphasized.
The results of this study will be shared with the relevant authorities and technical and financial partners in order to strengthen the implementation of the policy and ensure its sustainability.
The workshop also provided an opportunity to gather contributions from participants to enrich the final report and generate recommendations tailored to the realities on the ground.