Ouagadougou: As part of its humanitarian activities, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) organized a ceremony on Tuesday to donate medical and technical equipment to the Regional University Hospital Center (CHUR) and inaugurated an infirmary at the Ouahigouya Detention and Correction Center (MACO), AIB observed.
According to Burkina Information Agency, these donations, valued at over 176 million CFA francs, include various medical and pharmaceutical equipment. This contribution stems from the effective collaboration between the ICRC and the Ouahigouya University Hospital, which is crucial for treating ballistic casualties in need of specialized care and resources.
Simplice Eric Bonkoungou, Director General of the Ouahigouya University Hospital, emphasized the timely nature of the donation. "This medical equipment and these high-quality pharmaceutical products will allow our technical teams to save and rehabilitate the war wounded admitted to the Ouahigouya University Hospital," he explained.
Yves Arnoldy, head of the ICRC delegation in Burkina Faso, highlighted the excellent partnership with the Ouahigouya University Hospital, stating, "This is an important moment for us because it also marks the launch of the support project for the Ouahigouya University Hospital." He expressed confidence that the donations will enhance the hospital's technical facilities, which are vital for providing healthcare in the region.
At the MACO prison, Yves Arnoldy and local authorities inaugurated a new infirmary, a state-of-the-art medical facility costing over 173 million FCFA. This infirmary is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for the prison's residents.
The representative of the Minister of Justice commended the ICRC's commitment to the judicial department. "The opening of this infirmary addresses a critical need of the prison administration: that of rapid, regular, and dignified access to healthcare for detainees," he noted.
Yves Arnoldy confirmed that the new infirmary is a "result of open and effective collaboration between the ICRC and the Burkinabe government," and assured that this partnership would continue to benefit the prison population. Mr. Banc, on behalf of the governor of the Yaadga region, expressed gratitude to the ICRC for its efforts in improving the well-being of the region's people.
Pierre Claver Banc, Secretary General of the Yatenga Province, presided over the ceremony, representing the Governor of the Yaadga Region. He was joined by Frdric Oudraogo, Deputy Director General of the Penitentiary Administration, and other regional officials and representatives from the ICRC.