Alarming deterioration in health care and food security

Alarming deterioration in health care and food security07/04/2021

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Project :Supporting children and their families in the face of COVID-19 - Burkina Faso

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Burkina Faso, where our partner the International Social Service provides assistance to the most vulnerable populations, was already facing a complex humanitarian and security crisis for at least five years when COVID-19 arrived.

Growing violence and insecurity due to mounting insurgent armed groups have affected 2,2 million people and the displacement of over one million civilians. As populations have fled conflict-affected areas, the demand for health services has continued to grow while attacks have decreased the number of functioning health facilities. In September 2020, 95 health facilities were closed which represents 8,5% of the infrastructure in the 6 regions affected by insecurity. The provision of quality health services has been hindered by a weak health system marked with poor data and low-quality comprehensive emergency health service including COVID-19 response.

Since the situation in Burkina Faso was last assessed last year, acute food insecurity has increased more than 50 per cent, according to the latest analysis.

And in a country already reeling from conflict and climate change, the UN survey points out that COVID-19 has intensified people’s inability to earn money to cover their daily needs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is further exacerbating a crisis that was already deteriorating at a worrying pace, pushing more and more people into severe food crisis and acute food insecurity,” declared the FAO in Burkina Faso.

Many challenges remain in Burkina Faso's fight against the virus, however. Stigma against people who was tested positive, misinformation, and resistance to safety measures are issues that need more attention. We have to make sure that despite COVID-19, we are not neglecting other issues.

Source: WHO/UN news/FOA

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