Ouagadougou: The first batch of 21 professional physiotherapists, including 9 women, graduated from the National School of Public Health (ENSP) in Ouagadougou, marking a significant milestone for Burkina Faso’s healthcare system. Named “Integrity and Triumph,” these graduates have been urged by Dr. Lucien Robert Jean-Claude Kargougou, the Minister of Health, to serve the nation with humility and determination.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Kargougou highlighted the 100% success rate of the graduates, acknowledging their relentless commitment and discipline throughout the three-year training program. He emphasized their crucial role in providing rehabilitation and rehabilitative care, especially in a country grappling with chronic diseases, road accidents, and trauma after-effects. Despite the increasing demand for such services, a significant shortage of qualified professionals persists, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 63% of those in need in Africa lack access to rehabilitation services.
The Minister commended the ENSP supervisors for their efforts in training these pioneers, who represent a turning point for Burkina Faso’s health human resources. He stressed that these professionals are not only technical practitioners but also serve as educators, support workers, and prevention advocates.
Diadoma Zanzie, representing the Director General of ENSP, noted that the graduates will strengthen Burkina Faso’s health system. He acknowledged the role of the partnership with the Agency for International Cooperation of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Wallonia (APEFE) in making this training possible. APEFE program manager Karin Mohler expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved through this partnership and announced the handover of medical-technical equipment worth 93 million FCFA to various regional and university hospitals.
Ms. Mohler further noted that the physiotherapy training program currently enrolls over 100 students, who will continue to enhance the country’s health system by 2027.