Analysis of Burkina Faso’s Institutional Framework and Budget Allocations for NCDs Control and Monitoring

Abstract

Diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health issue and a global development challenge today. However, governance responses to these diseases remain in their infancy in most low-income countries, including Burkina Faso. How Burkina Faso organizes itself institutionally and financially to adequately address NCDs is still unknown to the scientific community. This study aimed to analyze Burkina Faso’s institutional framework and budget allocations related to NCDs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative data collection). The analysis highlighted several institutional challenges hindering effective NCD prevention and management in Burkina Faso. These include (i) the absence of a multi-sectoral policy or strategic plan involving all stakeholders, (ii) the lack of a multi-sectoral coordinating body, and (iii) insufficient financial resources. A total of twenty-nine (29) budget lines related to NCD prevention and/or management were identified, amounting to 17.33 billion FCFA ($29.8 million), or an average of $2.72 million per year. This represents only 1.55% of the total budget of the Ministry of Health over the same period. To address these challenges, we recommend the development of a national multi-sectoral policy that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, the establishment of a coordinating body, increased funding, and greater integration of NCD prevention and management into primary healthcare services.