2024-11-04 16:46:00
Kombissiri, November 1, 2024 (AIB) – The opening of the work of the 6th National Congress of Medical Students (CNEM) of Burkina Faso took place on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the University of Saint Dominique in West Africa (USDAO). in Ghana, in the commune of Doulougou, province of Bazèga. The work was carried out over four days, under the theme: “Sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence in Burkina Faso in the context of security challenges”.
This important meeting brings together medical students from Burkina Faso as well as other countries in the sub-region, and is an opportunity for them to exchange and discuss health matters.
The theme for this issue was therefore chosen: ”Sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence in Burkina Faso in the context of security challenges: Assessments, perspectives and participation of medical students”.
According to Dr. Landry Ouédraogo, president of the organizing committee, this conference is a space for exchange, learning, reflection and networking for future health professionals who are medical students.
During these four days, conferences, panels, workshops, roundtable meetings and community activities were held, with renowned experts sharing their knowledge on sexual and reproductive health issues.
Aboubacar Sidiki Ouédraogo, a doctoral student in medicine and president of the Association of Medical Students (AEM) of Burkina Faso, emphasized that this edition is special because of the country’s security context.
It was essential to take this situation into account and choose a relevant theme to understand how the medical student could make a significant contribution in such a context.
For the representative of the Minister of Health, Dr. Sylvestre Tiendrebéogo, the patron of the ceremony, medical students play a vital role in this context of the security crisis
To that end, he invited medical students, future health professionals, to join in raising awareness and educating communities on sexual and reproductive health rights.
He also encouraged them to train, participate in research and collaborate with stakeholders in the field of health and other related fields, because, as he asserted, “Your commitment and determination will be the key to addressing those challenges.
In addition to Burkina Faso, the 6th Conference brought together students from Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Togo.
Burkina Faso Intelligence Agency
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Interview: Editor’s Discussion with Dr. Landry Ouédraogo on Sexual and Reproductive Health in Burkina Faso
Editor (Time.news): Good afternoon, Dr. Ouédraogo! Thank you for joining us today. It’s great to have this opportunity to discuss the critical issues that were highlighted at the recent 6th National Congress of Medical Students in Burkina Faso.
Dr. Landry Ouédraogo: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and share insights from our recent congress.
Editor: The theme of the congress—“Sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence in Burkina Faso in the context of security challenges”—is incredibly relevant. Can you share what prompted this theme for the event?
Dr. Ouédraogo: Absolutely. In recent years, Burkina Faso has faced significant security challenges that have deeply affected public health infrastructures and services, particularly concerning sexual and reproductive health. With rising reports of gender-based violence amidst conflicts, we felt it was crucial to focus on these intertwined issues. The situation demands urgent attention not only from policymakers but also from future health professionals.
Editor: That’s a sobering reality. During the congress, what were some of the key discussions or workshops that stood out to you?
Dr. Ouédraogo: One highlight was our panel on community-based strategies to combat gender-based violence. We discussed innovative approaches that involve medical students directly engaging with local communities. Additionally, workshops focused on improving access to reproductive health services, especially in remote areas affected by violence or instability.
Editor: Engaging medical students must be a vital aspect of driving change. How do you see their role evolving in the context of these challenges?
Dr. Ouédraogo: Precisely! Medical students are not just future health professionals; they are also advocates and change-makers. Our congress aimed to empower them to think critically about these issues and to develop leadership skills. They can play a pivotal role in grassroots movements and in lobbying for better healthcare policies when they enter the workforce.
Editor: That’s inspiring! Given the serious nature of the topics discussed, did you find any positive takeaways or solutions that emerged from the congress?
Dr. Ouédraogo: Yes, there is always hope! One positive outcome was the commitment from students to form inter-school networks focused on health education and advocacy. Furthermore, several participants proposed developing training programs on handling cases of gender-based violence, ensuring that future health professionals are equipped to provide necessary support.
Editor: It’s great to hear about proactive solutions emerging from such challenging dialogues. Before we wrap up, what future actions do you envision to sustain the momentum from this congress?
Dr. Ouédraogo: Our goal is to continue fostering these dialogues beyond the congress. We plan to establish regular workshops and online forums to keep students engaged. Importantly, we want to create partnerships with NGOs and government agencies to implement the recommendations from our discussions, ensuring that solutions translate into real-world actions.
Editor: That sounds like a solid plan for ongoing engagement and impact. Thank you, Dr. Ouédraogo, for sharing your insights with us today. Your work is vital, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes that stem from the congress!
Dr. Ouédraogo: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important issues with you. Together, we can make a difference in health and well-being across our communities.