We work with governments, local organisations and communities in Burkina Faso and countries across Africa to deliver vital charity work and make sure everyone has the chance to thrive.
Sightsavers in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in the Sahel region of West Africa.
A former French colony, Burkina Faso gained independence in 1960, but has faced social and economic unrest after recent military coups.
The government has invested in several universal health coverage policies, although the health service lacks qualified staff and essential resources, meaning many people are unable to receive high-quality medical care. Those living in rural areas face additional difficulties: they often need to travel more than 5km for basic health care or to reach the country’s hospitals, most of which are in cities.
Several neglected tropical diseases are prevalent in Burkina Faso, including river blindness, lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis, which can cause sight loss and disability. After years of hard work, trachoma is on track to be eliminated as a public health problem.
People with disabilities face social stigma and discrimination in Burkina Faso. Along with our partners, Sightsavers is working with local organisations of people with disabilities to promote disability rights and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through the country’s voluntary national review.
Facts about Burkina Faso
- Population: 23 million
- Capital: Ouagadougou
- Official language: French
- Human development index (HDI) ranking: 184 (low)
A panorama of a village in Burkina Faso, showing dusty red roads and lush green trees.
What are the challenges in Burkina Faso, and how can these be addressed?
Eye care
Basic eye care is unaffordable for many people in Burkina Faso.
People in rural areas of the country can struggle to access eye care, putting them at risk of sight loss from conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Sightsavers’ charity work in the country is helping to develop inclusive eye care services, particularly in the Cascades region.
Infectious diseases
People in Burkina Faso are at high risk of catching debilitating diseases.
Three neglected tropical diseases that can be treated and prevented with medication are endemic in Burkina Faso. Our work in the country focuses on protecting people from river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.
Community drug distributors gather in a circle at a meeting in Burkina Faso.
Community volunteers in Burkina Faso continued to distribute medication to protect people from river blindness during COVID-19
How you can help
Our charity work in Burkina Faso is helping to make eye care more inclusive, but there’s still more we need to do.
With your support, we want to strengthen the health system and protect people from disease, so everyone can learn, earn and thrive. To do this, we need your help.
Charity donations, legacies, corporate partnerships and gifts from charitable foundations are a vital source of funding for our programmes in Burkina Faso. We also welcome opportunities to work in partnership with governments, institutions and development organisations.
Contact us: If you have any questions about our work in Burkina Faso, would like details about our programmes or wish to discuss ways to donate or support us, email [email protected]
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