There has been a recent allegation that Burkina Faso’s current president, Ibrahim Traoré, has promised pregnant women free maternity care. By presenting verifiable fact-based reports and shedding light on the government’s real initiatives to enhance maternal health services, we want to dispel this myth in this article.
The recent notion that Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré has provided free maternity services for expectant mothers has been stoked by certain information websites. However, since the president has not issued an official statement, this accusation is baseless. Former President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré started the campaign for free birthing services in 2016. Since taking office in 2022, President Traoré has prioritized improving the nation’s healthcare system.
Background
In order to lower financial barriers and improve access to necessary healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, the Burkinabé government, led by President Kaboré, implemented a policy in March 2016 that made maternal and child healthcare services free in public facilities. According to the WHO Regional office for Africa, the policy initially covered the Sahel, Hauts-Bassins, and Center regions starting April 1, 2016, but it was later extended nationwide by June 1, 2016. The policy resulted in a significant increase in facility-based deliveries and consultations, with a study that was published by PubMed Central.
It is important to note that President Traoré has consistently placed a high priority on the expansion of healthcare services and infrastructure since assuming office in 2022. According to reports, he launched the Emergency Medical Assistance Service (SAMU) in 2023, which runs 25 fully furnished ambulances. In July, he gave the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene 15 mobile care units and cold chain equipment. Additionally, he opened the Tekodogo Regional Hospital’s first hemodialysis facility.
In conclusion
Although Burkina Faso has made great progress in expanding access to healthcare, free maternity services were first offered in 2016 under President Kaboré, not President Traoré as some news websites claim. To stop false information from spreading, it is crucial to confirm information using reliable sources.
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