Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso was the second country to benefit from the support of Winds of Hope. Encouraged by the positive results of Niger’s national program, Winds of Hope wanted to extend its support to Burkina Faso as well as to Mali and Benin. A five-year partnership of €2,000,000 (CHF 3 million) was signed with the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO) in 2003.

The national program in Burkina Faso was launched in late 2003 and the activities themselves became effective by mid-2004. By the end of 2006, Winds of Hope had provided the program with CHF 225,000 (€150,000). Its support enabled nearly 300 persons to be trained (Health care workers, traditional practitioners and other health personnel) and raised awareness among a significant number of children, mothers and village leaders through large-scale awareness campaigns. First Lady Chantal Campaoré agreed to take the presidency of the National Committee against Noma.

Before the national program began, the Swiss foundation Hymne aux Enfants was already receiving support from Winds of Hope for its on-site programs to raise awareness and detect Noma, build a new center for children in Ouahigouya and launch a spirulina production project to combat malnutrition.