Launching Ceremony of the Model of differentiated services delivery for the supply of subcutaneous DMPA for self-injection under community-based health workers’ supervision.

DMPA-SC, an innovative injectable contraceptive, enables women to control their reproductive health more independently. This pilot model, introduced by the Ministry of Health with technical and financial support from the Africa Resource Centre (ARC), promotes a person-centred approach, particularly for women in rural areas where access to health services is often limited. By offering women the opportunity to self-administer this contraceptive after appropriate training by community-based health workers., this initiative aims to empower women while optimizing health human resources.

The launch of this pilot model is a direct response to the challenges of access and availability of health products in Burkina Faso in the context of security issues in many regions. In his speech, the High Commissioner for the Bale province. M. Ibrahim BOLY underlined the importance of this strategy as a rapid and effective solution for improving health indicators, particularly in terms of family planning and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. He also appealed for the commitment of customary and religious authorities, as well as civil society, to ensure the success of this initiative.

Those involved in the project hope that this pilot model, which covers the health districts of Yako and Boromo, can serve as the basis for a larger-scale expansion, thereby strengthening Burkina Faso’s healthcare system and ensuring universal access to family planning services.

This launch marks the beginning of a new phase for reproductive health in Burkina Faso, illustrating the collective commitment to improving the quality of life of women and families through innovative solutions adapted to local realities. The next steps will include monitoring the impact of this strategy, in the hope that its success will enable it to be extended to other regions of the country.

In her speech, the Director of Family Health, Dr Valérie Marcella ZOMBRE/SANON also highlighted the importance of this model in improving family planning indicators, stressing that the integration of self-injection could radically transform health indicators in the Yako and Boromo health districts. This model, which meets the specific needs of local populations, is part of a wider strategy to decentralize health services, making contraceptive products more accessible.

The ceremony was also an opportunity for the Africa Resource Centre’s country lead, Dr Damien KOUSSOUBE to recall the challenges to be overcome to ensure the success of this initiative, notably the adoption of self-injection by users and the regular supply of DMPA-SC. However, Boromo District Medical Officer, Dr Hyppolite Kiswendsida Bouda expressed confidence in the success of this strategy, thanks to the commitment and mobilization of all the players involved, including local authorities, civil society, and technical and financial partners.

The launch marks the start of a pilot phase whose aim is to create a reproducible, sustainable model that can be extended to other regions of the country. The combined efforts of the government, partners, and local communities are essential to turn this initiative into a success, paving the way for wider adoption and continued improvement of Burkina Faso’s healthcare system.