What is healthcare in Burkina Faso like?

Facilities and Health Information:

Medical facilities and emergency hospital care are very limited and of poor quality, particularly in areas outside of Ouagadougou. Emergency response services, such as ambulances, are in very short supply, poorly equipped, and in many regions simply nonexistent.

Some medicines are available through local pharmacies, though supplies can be limited and quality is inconsistent. Travelers requiring specific medicines should bring an adequate supply for the duration of their stay in Burkina Faso.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Burkina Faso and can be fatal. Current medications recommended for malaria prophylaxis include Lariam (Mefloquin), Malarone (Atovaguone/Proguanil) and Doxcycline. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial drugs they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, including protective measures, please visit the CDC’s website.

There are vaccines not routinely given in the United States that are strongly advised before traveling to Burkina Faso. Meningitis and Yellow Fever are endemic in Burkina Faso, and cases are most frequent during the drier, dustier months of January through June. Travelers should confirm their meningitis inoculation is up to date. Tuberculosis remains a considerable health concern in Burkina Faso.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved"

75.8%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved:

18.3%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved:

97.5%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.2%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population:

People Living with HIV/AIDS:

110,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population:

.05

Diseases - note:

highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved:

81.4%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved:

50.4%

Sanitation Facitlity Access - % of rural population improved:

6.7%

Infectious Diseases - degree of risk:

very high

Animal Contact Disease (s):

rabies

Food or Waterborne Disease (s):

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

Respiratory disease (s):

meningococcal meningitis

Vectorborne Disease (s):

dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever

Water contact disease (s):

schistosomiasis

Disability Access In Burkina Faso

Accessibility:

Accommodation and accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited in Burkina Faso.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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