In Burkina Faso, healthcare challenges have worsened since 2019 due to the escalating security crisis driven by fighting between armed groups and the state military.
Many communities face significant barriers to accessing medical care, with long distances to health centers, a shortage of trained healthcare workers, and limited resources. For families in rural areas, even basic services can seem out of reach.
Pregnant women often struggle to get to a clinic, especially at night, and diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and malnutrition take a heavy toll. This fragile healthcare system is further strained during emergencies, making every day struggles even more daunting. For years, this harsh reality has taken a toll on families, with women and children bearing the brunt of these healthcare gaps.
"Healthcare here has long been a privilege of the few, rather than a right for all," says Dr. Diao Watton Rodrigue, an epidemiologist with the Ministry of Health. "When children die from preventable diseases like malaria, it’s not because the medication don’t exist, it’s because they often don’t reach the people who need them most."
The Africa-wide REACH Initiative seeks to change that by transforming the way healthcare is delivered. Short for “Resilient and Empowered African Health Community,” REACH is led by the IFRC, along with the Africa CDC, and Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in their respective countries (in this case, the Burkina Faso Red Cross).
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, the REACH Initiative in Burkina Faso is supporting the development of a national health safety plan to guide healthcare reforms over the next four years. It has also supported the development of the country’s first action plan for non-communicable diseases, vaccination campaigns, and improved health surveillance.
The Burkina Faso Red Cross, meanwhile, plays a critical role in transforming healthcare access, serving as a bridge between underserved communities and essential health services. By leading efforts to bring care directly to those who lack access— often in remote or marginalized areas—they ensure that life-saving support reaches those who need it most, fostering trust and resilience within communities. Through this partnership, Burkina Faso is becoming better equipped to tackle future health challenges while building healthier, stronger communities.
‘They turn to us’
One recent example of REACH's impact was during a dengue fever outbreak at the beginning of 2024. With health workers stretched thin, the Burkina Faso Red Cross stepped in, mobilizing volunteers to target mosquito breeding sites and disinfect high-risk areas.
Led by 90 trained volunteers, an awareness campaign reached over 123,000 people, spreading life-saving information on dengue prevention. These swift actions not only controlled the outbreak but also strengthened the community’s preparedness for future crises.
As an example, consider the story of Nakanabo Ismael, a Red Cross volunteer trained through the REACH Initiative.
"At night, when someone is sick, they turn to us,” Nakanabo says. “The community trusts us—they bring their babies for us to treat. We might not have all the answers, but we’ve been trained to help."
Nakanabo’s dedication, along with the support of REACH, has brought hope to communities where healthcare once seemed out of reach.
Across Africa, REACH continues to strengthen health systems, scale up the community health workforce, and empower local volunteers. By addressing critical health challenges, training volunteers on the ground to shaping national health policies, REACH is helping to create a future where healthcare is accessible, equitable, and sustainable for all Africans.