Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe government has approved a significant initiative to enhance primary healthcare and nutrition, known as the Project to Strengthen Primary Health Care for the Improvement of Health and Nutrition - Phase II (PRSS-ASN II). This initiative was officially validated during a Council of Ministers meeting, marking a pivotal step towards improving the nation's healthcare infrastructure and services.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the PRSS-ASN II project aims to sustainably enhance the availability, accessibility, and quality of primary and specialized healthcare nationwide. Its implementation is expected to bolster healthcare coverage and improve the overall performance of the Burkinabe healthcare system. Key components of the program include the creation of 20 community health centers, the construction and equipping of six hemodialysis centers, and the establishment of six modern mobile clinics to provide adaptable healthcare services.

Additionally, the project will see the creation of nine regional branches of the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) to improve emergency management capabilities. It also includes efforts to strengthen the blood transfusion system across seven regions, ensuring the availability and safety of blood products. The comprehensive plan is set to unfold over a five-year period, from 2026 to 2031, with an estimated total cost of 170.3 billion CFA francs. Funding will be sourced from the State budget, a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and a grant from the Life and Livelihoods Fund.