APA – Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) The government of Burkina Faso has announced that rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for dengue fever will be free of charge.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Lucien Kargougou, has noted a “surge” in cases of dengue fever in Burkina Faso, particularly in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
He said that 50,478 suspected cases had been reported between 1 January and 15 October 2023. Of these, 25,502 cases were considered probable, causing the death of 214 people.
“For the period from 9 to 15 October 2023 alone, a total of 10,117 suspected cases were notified, including 4,377 probable cases and 48 deaths,” added the Minister of Health.
The Centre region, including Ouagadougou, recorded the highest number of suspected cases of dengue fever, followed by the Hauts-Bassins region, including Bobo-Dioulasso.
In response to the “epidemiological upsurge” in cases, the government has decided to make rapid screening tests (RDTs) free of charge in public health facilities. Minister Kargougou urged people to go to these facilities for effective treatment of the disease.
“Other measures are being taken to bring the epidemiological situation under control, including the training of health workers, capacity-building in rapid screening tests and the continuation of indoor and outdoor spraying operations in Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou,” he concluded.
SD/te/fss/abj/APA