This initiative has transformed the healthcare landscape in the Sig-Nonghin and Nongr-Massom districts, by improving access to medical, nutritional, and mental health care for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under five.

“This programme has been crucial in Burkina Faso, a country where access to healthcare is a challenge for internally displaced persons,” explains Dr. Céline Estelle Béogo, Project Coordinator.

The programme covers a child’s first 1,000 days, from the beginning of pregnancy to their second birthday, a period for growth and development, while integrating maternal health.

Collaborating for the Most Vulnerable

With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the French Development Agency, the project mobilised key actors such as ALIMA and its local partners KEOOGO and SOS Médecins Burkina Faso, the Ministry of Health, the Project Management Unit (PMU), GRET (Professionals of Solidarity Development), and ISSP (Higher Institute of Population Sciences).

Mamoudou Ouédraogo, head nurse at the Bissighin health centre, shares his perspective: “In short, we had an exceptional collaboration, rich in experience, and together, we contributed to transforming healthcare in the Sig-Nonghin and Nongr-Massom districts.”

Results that Speak for Themselves

• Medical care:
  • 506,814 curative consultations were carried out for mothers, children, and indirect beneficiaries, exceeding projections by over 141%.
  • 2,068 children were treated for severe acute malnutrition, with a recovery rate of 96.4%.

• Infrastructure and equipment:
  • Construction of a modern maternity hospital in Polesgho and a water tower, along with other infrastructure.
  • Provision of medical-technical equipment and essential inputs to healthcare centres

• Capacity building:
  • 77,834 mothers were trained to detect malnutrition.
  • Health personnel received training in essential care and hospital hygiene practices.

Sucess Stories

For Dr. Céline Estelle Béogo, Project Coordinator, “This is what a real partnership is all about! This project has significantly improved the knowledge of health workers and hygiene in the covered centres, building trust among beneficiaries.”

Maimouna Bounde, a long-time patient at the Polesgho maternity hospital, reflects: “I have been coming to the Polesgho maternity hospital for nearly a decade. Before, women had to give birth in inadequate conditions. Now, they benefit from dignified and secure facilities.”

A Model for the Future

The 1,000 Days project is more than just a health programme, it is a model of collaboration and hope for future initiatives in Burkina Faso and beyond.

> Learn more about the programme and the 1,000-day approach

*Data as of 12/11/2024

Cover photo: © Amadou Cissé Bello/ALIMA