Burkina Faso
Partnering with EMAS Canada, the Sisters of Holy Cross plan to improve access to quality education and health with an emphasis on helping vulnerable women and children in Burkina Faso.
“I AM AMONG YOU AS ONE WHO SERVES”
Following in the footsteps of Jesus, the Sisters of Holy Cross have a thriving community of Burkinabe sisters who, inspired by a passion for liberating education, are living in the local communities as willing servants to the needy in mission fields related to education and health.
WITNESSING CHRIST IN BURKINA FASO
THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Strong Women, Thriving Communities
With a presence in the region of 40 years and in Burkina Faso since 2004, the Sisters are well placed to understand and respond to the needs of the Burkinabe.
Sustainable Solutions to Daily Challenges
In rural areas, access roads are impassible in the wet seasons and transport is mostly by foot, bicycle, or motorcycle taxi.
Maternal mortality ratio is estimated at 320/100,000 live births, approximately 30 times worse than Canada.1
According to UNICEF (2020) more than half a million children under 5 in Burkina Faso are acutely malnourished.2
After consultation with the local people, the priority needs are access to health care for expectant women, young children, and education for young women who aspire to a better future. In response to these needs, we are coming alongside the community to provide solutions to the challenges they face.
Our first project with EMAS Canada is to provide maternal and child health services at Songdin, a village north of Ouagadougou.
Land has been purchased for this purpose and is adequate for development into a fully operational rural hospital.
We envision healthcare services growing to include all aspects of primary health care for all ages. Architectural drawings have been drafted and through ongoing consultation with a reputable engineering firm, we plan to begin construction once funds are in hand.
The pressing need in 2021 is to raise funds for construction and equipping a general outpatient department with focus on catering to maternal and child health.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office.
TEAM LEADERS: Sr. Norma McDonald , Dr. Valérie Marion or Dr. Peter Agwa,