In Burkina Faso, particularly in rural areas, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are often the first point of contact when a child falls sick, a pregnant woman needs follow-up, or a family seeks advice on how to stay healthy. As true pillars of their communities, they know every household, every story, and ensure the vital link between people and the health system.

For these everyday heroes to fully play their role, four elements are essential: Digitalization, Equipment with digital tools, Supervision, and Compensation the four pillars of the DESC approach, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Living Goods, to ensure the sustainability of their commitment and actions.

In recent weeks, two major events organized by the Directorate of Community Health (DSC) with the support of Living Goods, through the BIRCH/IS Project funded by Global Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene (MSHP) and Africa Frontline First have shown that progress can be achieved simultaneously on both fronts.

Ziniaré: A Decisive Step for Reliable Data and Stronger Community Health Performance

From August 11 to 15, 2025, the city of Ziniaré hosted a strategic workshop that brought together nearly forty participants from across the country policymakers, technicians, and partners to validate two key tools: the Community Routine Data Quality Assessment (RDQA_Community) manual and the performance review guide for CHWs.

Far more than simple documents, these tools serve as a true compass to guide the actions of the community health system toward greater impact, improved efficiency, and enhanced transparency.

Led by the DSC with the support of Living Goods, this workshop marks an important milestone in building a stronger community health system, centered on data quality and the continuous improvement of services for the benefit of the population.

Behind the technical discussions and data tables, what is really at stake is the health of communities. From the most remote villages to national institutions, every actor left with a shared vision to use quality data for better decision-making through trusted digitalization, and to improve services and strengthen community trust.

This collective effort sends a strong signal: Burkina Faso is committed to building a more robust and better-supervised community health system highlighting supervision as a key pillar of DESC where every data point reflects a concrete reality, and every indicator demonstrates tangible progress.

Ouagadougou: Strengthening Resource Mobilization for the 2024–2028 National Community Health Strategy (SNSC)

In the same week, a national workshop on coordination and monitoring of the Operational Resource Mobilization Plan for implementing the SNSC 2024–2028 was held in Ouagadougou from August 11 to 12, 2025.

Also convened by the DSC with the support of Living Goods, the meeting aimed to:

1. Assess progress in implementing the plan,
2. Identify challenges encountered,
3. And propose concrete solutions to optimize resource mobilization.

By reinforcing financing and coordination, this workshop further consolidates the foundation for a more resilient and equitable community health system.

A Shared Commitment for Lasting Impact

Both initiatives reflect a clear vision: strengthening capacity, improving performance, and ensuring sustainable resources so that every Burkinabè can access quality health care, wherever they live.

For Living Goods, supporting these national dynamics means investing in solutions that transform community health, with a dual focus, structuring tools (such as the CHW performance review guide), and adequate resources, mobilized in a coordinated and efficient manner.

By combining professionalization with sustainable financing, Burkina Faso can take a decisive step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.