Gourma: Governor Ram Joseph Kafando visited the hemodialysis center at the Fada N'Gourma University Hospital on Thursday, June 25, 2026, accompanied by administrative, military and paramilitary authorities, health officials, and numerous citizens. The visit marks a significant step in the government's strategy to enhance healthcare accessibility and service delivery for the local population.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Fada N'Gourma center is one of four newly inaugurated hemodialysis centers, with others located in Banfora, D©dougou, and Dori, launched on June 20, 2026. During the visit, authorities observed the operational effectiveness of the center's services for patients with chronic kidney failure. Governor Kafando recognized this development as a crucial improvement for the Goulmou, Tapoa, and Sirba regions, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for dialysis.
Dr. Madi Yarbanga, regional health director of Goulmou and chairman of the Fada N'Gourma University Hospital board, described the center's opening as a "feat" that significantly aids patients with chronic kidney failure. He noted that the government has taken measures to alleviate the financial burden on patients, particularly by subsidizing previously costly services. The center commenced operations with a team comprising general practitioners, specialized nurses, a pharmacist, and a biomedical technician.
Dr. Delwend© Bertrand Dibri, the center's nephrologist and head, highlighted the public health challenge posed by kidney failure, affecting nearly 10% of the global population. He emphasized that the center will ease healthcare access for the eastern Burkina Faso population, minimizing the need for travel to major cities like Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso.
Equipped with nine advanced dialysis generators, the center features various facilities, including a large room, isolation and resuscitation rooms, a catheter insertion room, administrative offices, and an autonomous water supply system. Center officials report an operational capacity to perform numerous dialysis sessions weekly, catering to both chronic and emergency cases. At the time of the visit, six patients had already benefited from the services, expressing satisfaction with the improved treatment conditions.
Health officials noted the positive reception from patients who appreciate the proximity of care. One patient expressed relief and gratitude for the government's initiative, which spares them from lengthy travel for treatment.
Data from the Ministry of Health indicates an investment of over 1.2 billion CFA francs in constructing and equipping the new hemodialysis centers. Their establishment represents a significant enhancement in the national capacity for kidney disease management and a key advancement in the accessibility of specialized care across Burkina Faso.