Ouagadougou: The Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Lucien Jean Claude Kargougou, announced the convening of the first edition of the National Forum on Health Financing in Burkina Faso (FONAFIS), set to take place from March 25 to 27, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The forum aims to mobilize sustainable resources to enhance equitable access to health services.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Kargougou emphasized the critical need for sufficient, stable, and well-allocated resources, indicating that without these, technical reforms remain ineffective, healthcare providers face resource shortages, and the most vulnerable populations continue to encounter financial burdens that lead to impoverishment. He articulated this during a press conference in Ouagadougou on March 18, 2026, underscoring that health financing is vital for an effective and equitable health system. This challenge is what the Burkina Faso government intends to tackle through the organization of FONAFIS 2026.

Dr. Kargougou detailed that the forum will revolve around the theme: "Building an efficient and equitable health financing system for health sovereignty and the achievement of the objectives of the National Development Plan 2026-2030". The theme is set to be dissected through 27 thematic sessions over three days, focusing on three key axes: health sovereignty, mobilization of national resources, and population protection.

FONAFIS 2026 is expected to gather over 400 national and international participants, serving as a platform for decision-making and mobilization towards developing a roadmap for 2030. The minister highlighted that the forum will also be open to successful international experiences from Rwanda, Ghana, Thailand, and Morocco, allowing Burkina Faso to draw inspiration and learn while maintaining its unique identity.