National user fee abolition and health insurance scheme in Burkina Faso: How can they be integrated on the road to universal health coverage without increasing health inequities?

摘要

In May 2016, the government of Burkina Faso introduced a free health care policy for pregnant women and children under five years of age. This national policy has been effective since in all public health facilities, regardless of their level in the pyramid of care – Burkina Faso counts 1760 primary care facilities, 47 medical centers with surgical capacities, and 13 reference hospitals at the regional or national levels. The health system is complemented by an increasing network of community health workers who provide free services – including test and treatment for certain diseases– to their local communities.