Burkina Faso is seeking to improve the management of its healthcare system by using reliable, accessible and geolocated data. The digitalization of the national health map is expected to improve healthcare planning and support a more balanced distribution of resources.
On September 21, 2026, the Ministry of Health made the issue a central topic during its first ministerial sector council of the year in Ouagadougou. The objective is to create a reliable digital system that provides updated information on healthcare facilities and their locations.
Furthermore, the digital health map will help identify differences in healthcare coverage across the country. This information can guide decisions on where to build new facilities, how to allocate medical staff and where to send essential medicines and equipment.
Meanwhile, the digital system is also expected to improve the maintenance of medical infrastructure. By having a clearer overview of available facilities and services, authorities can identify areas with limited access to healthcare and better target public investments.
In addition, the project forms part of Burkina Faso’s broader digital transformation of the health sector. The country’s Digital Health Strategic Plan for 2025–2029 places reliable data at the centre of healthcare decision-making.
However, several challenges remain. Some healthcare facilities still have limited internet connectivity, while the sector also faces shortages of specialized digital skills and difficulties connecting different digital platforms.
Finally, the digitalization of the health map could provide Burkina Faso with a stronger tool for planning healthcare services. By combining geographical information with health data, authorities can better identify needs and improve the allocation of resources across the country.
