Ouagadougou — “When I found out I was HIV-positive, I thought my life was over. I wanted to die. But today, I’m in great shape. I run my business and live a normal life,” says Alimata, a trader in Dori who has been on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment since 2007. Her calm gaze reflects the challenges she has overcome.

Burkina Faso has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV. In 1997, the HIV prevalence rate was 7.17%, dropping to 0.6% in 2023, according to the UNAIDS 2024 report. This dramatic decline is the result of a multisectoral response, strong political commitment, and unprecedented community mobilization. "Today, the country is recognized as a leading example in the sub-region for consistently reducing new HIV infections and enhancing the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV)."

Like many others, Alimata went through a period of despair after her diagnosis. Fear of death, stigma, social rejection—barriers that once seemed insurmountable. “At first, I didn’t dare talk about it, not even to my family. I was afraid of being rejected, of not being able to care for my children,” she recalls. But thanks to a strengthened health system, accessible medication, and close support, she regained control of her life. “I found support from health workers and counselors. Slowly, I realized that HIV was no longer a death sentence.”

Today, according to UNAIDS estimates, around 95,000 people are living with HIV in Burkina Faso. Coverage of HIV-positive pregnant women on treatment rose from 45% in 2015 to 72.91% in 2023. Among children born to HIV-positive mothers, 98.73% were HIV-negative in 2023. These figures reflect significant progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission and demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategies in place. HIV-related deaths have also declined, from over 3,000 annually a decade ago to around 2,600 in 2023.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a key role in this transformation, notably by supporting the “Test and Treat” strategy, which offers immediate antiretroviral treatment to anyone diagnosed with HIV, regardless of disease stage. This approach accelerates viral load reduction and limits transmission. WHO also supported the development of the strategy and guide on Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD), which includes six-month medication refills for PLHIV and community-based ARV distribution outside health facilities (RaCoDESS), as well as the implementation of Early Warning Indicators (EWI) to monitor care quality and prevent resistance. These tools have enabled the country to tailor interventions down to peripheral health facilities and ensure access to medication even in the most remote areas.

WHO’s support goes beyond medical aspects. The Organization also helps strengthen national team capacities, train healthcare providers, and develop protocols adapted to local realities. It supports free ARV access, availability of biological tests, supply of inputs in security-challenged areas, and the establishment of monitoring systems to prevent stockouts. This technical and financial partnership has enabled Burkina Faso to stay on course, even amid security and economic challenges.

Dr. Natyon Dieudonné Soma, Coordinator of the Health Sector HIV Response Program, highlights the importance of these advances: “Free ARVs, biological tests, and availability of inputs have been major levers for improving patients’ quality of life. Community involvement and political leadership have been key to the success of the response.”

On the ground, healthcare providers are the backbone of this fight. Professor Ismaël Diallo, head of the active file at CHU Yalgado Ouédraogo, follows over 1,500 patients. “"Long-term follow-up remains a challenge, particularly with aging populations. However, the commitment of decision-makers and active community engagement has transformed the landscape of HIV care. Today, individuals once considered beyond help are living normal, healthy lives thanks to sustained and comprehensive treatment,” he explains, emphasizing the need to continue awareness efforts, especially among youth, to prevent complacency in prevention.

Community actors are the faces of hope. Moné Marou, a psychosocial counselor since 2006, has supported hundreds of people through their care journey. He recalls a striking case: “A woman, after receiving her positive result, left a suicide note. Thanks to her family’s quick intervention and our support, she abandoned those plans and agreed to receive care,” he shares emotionally. These stories illustrate the power of community support and the importance of listening and guidance in fighting stigma. Support groups, home visits, and adherence clubs have become essential spaces to break isolation and restore confidence among PLHIV.

WHO continues to support Burkina Faso in strengthening epidemiological surveillance, pharmacovigilance, and adapting treatment protocols. It also assists in implementing the 2023–2026 National Strategic Framework, which aims to achieve the “95-95-95” targets by 2026: 95% of PLHIV know their status, 95% of those are on treatment, and 95% of those treated have an undetectable viral load. These ambitious goals are now within reach, thanks to the mobilization of all stakeholders—from health authorities to patient associations.

“WHO is proud to support Burkina Faso in its fight against HIV. The progress made is the result of collective commitment, and we will continue to assist the country in eliminating HIV as a public health threat,” says Dr. Casimir Manzengo, HIV Program Officer at WHO Burkina Faso.

It is worth noting that the fight against HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso is driven by strong political leadership, with the Head of State chairing the National AIDS Council. The response is based on a coordinated multisectoral approach, structured around five-year strategic plans and a National Strategic Framework, ensuring a coherent response aligned with both national and international commitments.

Over the years, the fight against HIV in Burkina Faso has become more than a medical battle—it is a symbol of solidarity, resilience, and shared hope. Behind every statistic are faces, reunited families, lives saved, and dreams reborn. While the road may still be challenging, the collective strength and determination of an entire community continue to move forward, overcome obstacles, and believe in a better future.

“Sometimes the road is long and hard to get my medication, but I’ve never given up. I fight every day for my children, and as long as I have hope, I know I still have beautiful moments to live,” says Alimata, her voice full of gratitude and courage.