Fada N'Gourma:The High Commissioner of the Gourma province, Silas Nacanabo, presided over an advocacy and social mobilization meeting in Fada N'Gourma. The meeting was held in preparation for a chemo-prevention campaign against schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, scheduled from October 26 to 31, 2026. The campaign aims to benefit 65,128 children aged 5 to 14 years.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting was organized by the Fada N'Gourma health district and brought together a diverse group of participants, including administrative, military, and paramilitary authorities, education officials, community, customary and religious leaders, as well as representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Dr. Sandrine Bienvenue Sam, the chief medical officer of the Fada N'Gourma health district, presented the objectives and modalities of the preventive intervention, which includes the free administration of praziquantel.

The campaign targets children across 27 health facilities in the communes of Fada N'Gourma, Diabo, and Matiacoali. In 2025, a similar effort successfully treated 163,944 children with a therapeutic coverage of 98.3%. The 2026 campaign aims to maintain high coverage despite challenges such as security constraints and population displacements.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by schistosomes, transmitted through contact with contaminated fresh water. Symptoms include blood in the urine, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, though some infected individuals may not show symptoms. The dosage of praziquantel will be tailored based on the child's height, and mild side effects such as abdominal pain and dizziness may occur.

Participants, including traditional and religious leaders, committed to supporting community mobilization by spreading awareness in mosques, churches, and community assemblies. School officials will assist in coordinating visits and ensuring treatment for absent children. Local media and CSOs will also aid in disseminating information in local languages, particularly for internally displaced persons.

The High Commissioner praised the stakeholder collaboration and urged communities to support efforts in protecting children from this preventable disease.