Burkina Faso has launched the second phase of the BIRCH Project to strengthen the community health system. The project, called BIRCH2, is funded by the Global Fund and implemented by Living Goods in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MSHP) and Africa Frontline First.

Its goal is to build an integrated, resilient, and inclusive community health system in the country.

The second phase of BIRCH2 will focus on:
– Supporting the development and implementation of national community health strategies.
– Improving the quality of care in priority areas.
– Building institutional capacity to support community health services.

The project was officially launched on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Ouagadougou, with Dr. Issa Ouédraogo, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, presiding over the ceremony. Dr. Ouédraogo emphasized the project’s importance in building a resilient community health system and commended the efforts of Living Goods and other stakeholders for their work.

Jules Souleymane Gaye, the Country Director of Living Goods, justified the continuation of the project’s second phase based on the success of the initial phase. The BIRCH2 project is expected to span over three years and make significant contributions to strengthening community health in Burkina Faso.