Koudougou: As part of preparations for the 2025 pilgrimage to Mecca, the interim governor of the Center-West region, Adama Jean Yves B©r©, paid a visit on Tuesday to candidates for the 5th pillar of Islam, with the aim of ensuring the smooth running of the mandatory medical examinations, AIB noted.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this year, a major new initiative has been implemented: the decentralization of medical examinations. Previously centralized in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, they now take place in the regions, thus facilitating access for future pilgrims.

In the Centre-West, three sites have been selected in Koudougou: the Workers' Health Office (OST), the Medical Centre, and the Koudougou Regional Hospital Centre. Since operations began on March 14, 2025, approximately 72 pilgrims have been registered, and 59 have already received their vaccinations, declaring them fit to travel. The rest are currently undergoing medical examinations or awaiting specialist consultations.

Dr. Kpoda emphasized the importance of these visits to ensure the pilgrims' physical fitness and thanked the authorities for this decentralization initiative. Governor B©r© praised the commitment and availability of health personnel, encouraging them to continue their mission. He also extended his best wishes to future pilgrims, wishing them a successful pilgrimage and a peaceful return. He finally called for prayers for peace and security in Burkina Faso, which has been facing terrorism for a decade.

Faced with the constraints of the fasting observed by the faithful, medical teams have adapted their schedules to facilitate blood sampling, according to Dr. Kpoda. He also expressed his gratitude to local Muslim associations for their support in organizing these visits. As for Boukary Zoma, an octogenarian native of Koudougou, he warmly thanked the authorities for this diligence on their behalf, adding that "we bless them and pray to Allah to accompany them in their quest for the well-being of the population."