The first National Forum on Health Financing (FONAFIS) in Burkina Faso, which commenced on March 25 under the guidance of Burkinabe Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo in Ouagadougou, successfully drew to a close on March 27.

This high-level gathering brought together prominent political figures, both local and international experts, and various technical and financial partners (PTF). Discussions centered on critical issues such as boosting resource mobilization and reducing reliance on external funding for public health initiatives across Africa. A key objective for the organizers was also to strengthen the resilience of African health systems in the face of escalating crises.

During the opening day on March 25, Mohamed Janabi, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, presented an overview of health financing in Africa. He highlighted a significant challenge, noting that a quarter of all health expenditures within the region are currently derived from external sources.

In his address, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo underscored the importance of health sovereignty as a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s national transformation agenda. This agenda is part of a Popular Progressive Revolution (RPP) initiated in September 2022. He further reiterated his government’s steadfast commitment to independently finance its national health system, utilizing its own resources.