WASHINGTON, January 24, 2025 – The World Bank has officially approved a substantial financial package for Burkina Faso. This includes a credit of 142 million euros (approximately 150 million US dollars) from the International Development Association (IDA)* and an additional grant of 17 million US dollars from the Global Financing Facility (GFF). These funds are earmarked for the Project to Strengthen the Performance and Resilience of the Health System (PRPRSS), a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Primarily focusing on adolescents, women, and children under the age of five, this comprehensive project is designed to elevate disease surveillance capabilities and optimize the utilization of essential health and nutrition services. Its reach will extend across the entire country, with a specific emphasis on providing critical support to internally displaced persons and communities facing significant barriers to healthcare access.
“Human development stands as a cornerstone for fostering social inclusion and remains a paramount priority for the World Bank,” stated Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, World Bank Resident Representative for Burkina Faso. “This initiative is strategically designed to bolster the government’s efforts in building resilience and adeptly managing the ongoing challenges within the health sector. It also serves as a vital complement to the recently sanctioned Human Capital Protection Project, a 100.4 million dollar endeavor focused on enhancing the delivery of fundamental social services.”
The PRPRSS aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s broader strategy for the West and Central Africa region. This regional approach seeks to fortify the social contract by strengthening the pivotal institutions responsible for delivering fundamental social services to populations.
“Ensuring women, adolescents, and children have access to quality healthcare represents one of the most invaluable investments governments can undertake to propel nations toward development and prosperity,” emphasized Luc Laviolette, Head of the GFF Secretariat. “The GFF is proud to stand with the government of Burkina Faso in constructing a robust and resilient health system, guaranteeing essential care for these vulnerable groups, even within the most challenging and fragile regions.”
“This project arrives at a critical juncture, poised to significantly enhance the nation’s capabilities in preparing for and responding to health emergencies, while simultaneously elevating the quality and uptake of health and nutrition services,” explained Moussa Dieng, World Bank Health Portfolio Manager. “Furthermore, it will extend the World Bank’s steadfast support for the various reforms initiated by the Ministry of Health, ultimately strengthening governance, promoting equity, and ensuring sustainable financing within the health sector.”
