Improving SRH through Health System Strengthening in Burkina Faso

According to FP2030, in 2021 the modern contraceptive prevalence rate for all women in Burkina Faso is 28.2% and an estimated 19.6% of all women in the country have an unmet need for modern methods of contraception.

Through the Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) through Health System Strengthening program, EngenderHealth, in partnership with a consortium of local civil society organizations and research institutions, international nongovernmental organizations, and United Nations (UN) agencies, is supporting the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) for SRH services through the development of a robust, responsive, and resilient health system.

The program aims to expand access to high-quality comprehensive abortion care (CAC) and family planning (FP) services; improve the health information system for CAC, FP, and other SRH services; and strengthen policy and advocacy efforts to create an enabling environment for SRHR, including CAC. Using an inclusive, participatory, and dynamic approach, the program is also able to quickly respond to changing needs and contexts. In its second year, the program incorporated a focus on humanitarian assistance to address the needs of internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso.

EngenderHealth provides technical assistance to carry out health system strengthening activities in Burkina Faso’s Nord, Centre-Nord, Sahel, and Plateau Central regions as well as one district in the Centre region. In these areas, we are working with health facilities to increase access to safe medical abortion care; provide assessments, medical equipment, and renovations; improve maternal and adolescent health services; and strengthen leadership, management, supply chains, and financing for SRH and maternal health services.

We are also strengthening community-based services to improve awareness and knowledge of CAC and FP services, address barriers to SRH care, and strengthen the referral system. In addition, we are supporting improvements to the health information system to enhance informed decision-making at all levels and working with leaders and decision-makers to strengthen their knowledge of and commitment to SRHR.

Core Impact Areas and Strategic Approaches

core impact area

Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR)

strategic approach

Health Systems Strengthening (HSS)

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