Burkina Faso’s drive for local funding in sexual and reproductive health

The African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN) recently hosted a vital discussion on March 24, 2026. The central topic addressed was: «Security Crisis and Declining External Funding: What Endogenous Alternatives Can Safeguard Sexual and Reproductive Health/Family Planning Rights in Burkina Faso?»

Amidst a pressing security crisis and the gradual withdrawal of international donors, Burkina Faso faces a significant hurdle: ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that historically, approximately 81% of funding for this sector originated from external partners. However, in recent years, this crucial financial support has significantly dwindled, compelling national stakeholders to devise internal solutions for Burkina Faso SRH funding.

Désiré Thiombiano, who directs AMS Synergie Burkina Faso, emphasized that raising awareness and actively engaging local communities are pivotal to overcoming this challenge.

In other words, «we can no longer simply await the return of international partners. It is imperative that we, as a nation, invest in sexual health to prevent early pregnancies, child marriages, and maternal mortalities,» he asserted.

To achieve this, Thiombiano proposed several strategies: educating the populace on their role in resource mobilization, fostering positive masculinity by involving influential opinion and religious leaders in advocacy and communication, and formalizing community-level fundraising through territorial collectives to ensure transparent and sustainable fund management for sexual and reproductive health.

Dr. Clarisse Bougma, representing the Director of Family Health, underscored the Burkinabè state’s ongoing commitment. Between 2020 and 2025, the government allocated nearly 3.9 billion CFA francs towards procuring contraceptive supplies. Despite the reduction in external funding, the Ministry remains dedicated to continuing its initiatives, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

She stressed, «The mobilization of indigenous resources is a strategic imperative. This approach will ensure the sustainability of our efforts and accelerate progress towards achieving international objectives for Burkina Faso’s SRH funding.»

Boureima Sanga, the coordinator for REMAPSEN Burkina Faso, clarified that this gathering forms part of a broader advocacy drive aimed at enhancing journalists’ capabilities.

He stated, «In a climate of multiple crises, it is crucial for media professionals to be well-versed in endogenous financing mechanisms. This knowledge empowers them to educate the public and bolster health sovereignty.»

Established in June 2020, the African Media Network for Health and Environment Promotion (REMAPSEN) consistently organizes such national forums, supported by the Ouagadougou Partnership, to champion local and sustainable solutions for health challenges.