Bousse:Kourweogo The Secretary General of the Oubri region, Ibrahim Boly, has launched the National Reproductive Health Plus Week (SNSR+) in Bousse. The initiative aims to improve access to care and accelerate the reduction of maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality, coinciding with World Breastfeeding Week and screening activities for women's cancers, STIs/HIV, and viral hepatitis.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the SNSR+ seeks to enhance political commitment to reproductive health and increase the visibility of actions in this domain. The event gathered representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Global Fund, alongside traditional, religious, and community leaders from the region.
The SNSR+, themed "Integrating reproductive health services to accelerate the reduction of maternal, neonatal and infant mortality," will run from October 26 to November 1, 2026, across all health districts of Burkina Faso. The Ministry of Health aims to engage various stakeholders in reproductive health to better inform the public about the SNSR+ 2026 and bolster support from government, technical and financial partners, and civil society organizations for health programs.
Ibrahim Boly highlighted that this edition occurs amidst the need to improve access to care, especially in remote areas, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. He underscored the significance of reproductive health in population well-being and combating maternal, neonatal, and infant mortality and morbidity.
UNFPA resident representative Yves Sassenrath emphasized that the initiative aligns with national and international reproductive health strategies, describing reproductive health as the "backbone" of women's health. He advocated for regular integrated interventions to enhance access to quality reproductive health services for vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
The SNSR+ will offer contraceptive methods, screenings for women's cancers, STIs/HIV, and viral hepatitis, alongside advocacy meetings with community and administrative leaders. Additionally, counseling sessions on lactation management and self-care promotion for health and well-being are planned.