Burkina Faso/ Malaria and Anti dengue: A preventive initiative launched by doctors and medical students

A network of doctors and medical students recently announced the launch of an ambitious initiative to provide preventive medical assistance to internally displaced persons (IDP) and contribute to citizen monitoring during the dengue and malaria epidemic. The launch of this initiative was given on Friday, October 20, 2023 in Ouagadougou.

 In an effort to support the Transition and the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the network of doctors and medical students decided to join forces to offer preventive medical assistance to IDPs while actively contributing to citizen monitoring in the city of Ouagadougou and other localities facing the dengue and dengue epidemic malaria.

Dr Frank Ouédraogo, coordinator of the network, stressed that this preventive medical assistance would be completely free, to the extent of the capacities of health professionals. «Our initiative consists first of all in supporting IDPs, and then in helping our compatriots who monitor citizens at roundabouts. We aspire to contribute to building a better future for our country» he said.

In concrete terms, network members will be able to carry out screening operations at IDP sites and roundabouts. They also plan to distribute prevention kits against mosquitoes, vectors of malaria and dengue. According to the network coordinator, this preventive campaign will improve by protecting a large number of people against these diseases.

«Right now, with dengue fever and malaria epidemics, our hospitals are overwhelmed. It is therefore imperative to change our strategy, and ours to focus on prevention», stressed Frank Ouédraogo. The start of operations is scheduled for Tuesday 24 October at the UN roundabout, with more than 200 people participating in this commendable initiative.

Justine Akolatsey