Dori:Liptako The High Commissioner of Séno Province, Yaya Koné, has praised the achievements of a humanitarian project carried out by NGO CARE Burkina Faso and the Technical Alliance for Development Assistance (ATAD). During a workshop in Dori, he highlighted the project's success in addressing various issues in the region, noting it reached a 91.84% implementation rate, funded by Global Affairs Canada with approximately 504 million CFA francs.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the project, titled 'Integrated multi-sectoral assistance in sexual and reproductive health, protection and nutrition for displaced populations, returnees and host communities,' aimed to enhance gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, and improve access to essential health and nutrition services. It was executed in the Koulsé, Liptako, and Soum regions.
Key interventions included the rehabilitation of nine health facilities and equipping twelve with necessary medical supplies. Nine medical tricycles were also provided to aid patient transport. The project facilitated curative consultations and supported additional healthcare staff, enhancing care delivery in the target areas.
The protection efforts distributed 1,250 dignity kits and 500 hygiene kits to vulnerable women and girls, including survivors of gender-based violence. Awareness campaigns reached over 90,000 individuals. Additionally, malnutrition screening for children and nutrition counseling sessions were organized.
Four safe spaces for women and girls were established or renovated, serving as venues for awareness, support for gender-based violence survivors, and promoting women's economic empowerment. Despite these successes, challenges such as delayed project start, access issues, and procedural delays were encountered.
Djibril Siénou, a technical officer at CARE Burkina Faso, stressed the need for better anticipation of administrative processes and enhanced capacity building for community actors. He also called for greater local authority involvement and adaptable planning to local conditions.
As the project concludes, partners emphasized sustaining the achievements to ensure continued access to healthcare, nutrition, and protection for vulnerable populations in the affected regions.