• PRSS-ASN II to build clinics, expand emergency and blood services

• Project targets access gaps amid insecurity, workforce, and malaria challenges

Burkina Faso’s government has approved the preliminary report for the Second Primary Health Care Strengthening Project for Improved Health and Nutrition (PRSS-ASN II), worth more than 170 billion FCFA (approximately $299.5 million).

The project was presented in the Council of Ministers’ report on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2025. PRSS-ASN II will be jointly funded by the national budget, a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and a grant from the Life and Livelihoods Fund.

The project aims to improve the coverage and performance of the national health system. Its main objective is to achieve a lasting improvement in the availability, accessibility, and quality of both primary and specialized healthcare across the country.

Implementation and Health Challenges

The cabinet statement said the report’s adoption paves the way for the government to begin negotiations and mobilize resources with technical and financial partners to implement the project.

PRSS-ASN II includes plans to expand healthcare access through 20 new community medical centers, improve emergency response with nine new regional SAMU (ambulance service) branches, and strengthen the blood transfusion system across seven regions.

Burkina Faso is grappling with a complex humanitarian crisis that has hindered access to healthcare, particularly in areas affected by insecurity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The country also faces structural challenges, including an inadequate medical workforce, unequal access to care, and limited infrastructure in rural areas. Malaria also remains endemic.

Despite the security context, the WHO noted that Ouagadougou made significant health progress in 2024: 58% of health facilities were reopened, up from 37% in 2023. This recovery was driven largely by the key role played by community health workers in malaria control in insecure areas.

In addition, the government entered into a partnership last October to integrate artificial intelligence tools into the national health system to modernize care delivery, enhance diagnostics, and strengthen overall health system performance.

Lydie Mobio