Gourma: The High Commissioner of the Gourma province, Silas Nacanabo, has initiated a voluntary screening session for hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS in Fada N’Gourma, aimed at better future planning. Mr. Nacanabo emphasized that a healthy workforce is essential for optimal performance and highlighted the importance of knowing one’s health status for better future planning.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the High Commissioner announced plans to collaborate with the BUAMINYABA Association to organize similar sessions across the province’s various services and local authorities. The screening, which is free, is an opportunity for department heads to ensure the health of their teams.

The BUAMINYABA Association, supported by the Global Fund and the Burkinabe government, not only provides these screening services but also offers sexual health counseling and monitoring for tuberculosis, malaria, and malnutrition cases. Joseph Ouoba, the psychological advisor and head of the screening team, highlighted the critical role of the tests in allowing individuals to know their health status.

Ouoba explained that a negative result encourages individuals to maintain their health, while a positive result provides access to life-prolonging treatment. He noted that the service is available for anyone aged 15 and above, with minors requiring parental accompaniment. The association also offers mobile services to groups of at least ten people interested in the screenings.