The inaugural National Health Financing Forum (FONAFIS) in Ouagadougou, launched on March 25 by Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, concludes on March 27. This high-level event brings together policymakers, local and international experts, and development partners to address critical challenges in health resource mobilization and reducing reliance on external funding across Africa.
A key focus is strengthening health systems to withstand crises, with organizers emphasizing long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency in healthcare financing. On the opening day, Mohamed Janabi, the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Africa, highlighted a pressing issue: “One-quarter of health expenditures in our region still come from external sources.”
Prime Minister Ouédraogo underscored that achieving health sovereignty is a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s ongoing Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP), initiated in September 2022. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to funding its healthcare system independently, aligning with national development priorities.