Nearly 21% of Burkinabe face food insecurity, says Health Minister

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Demography, nearly 21% of Burkinabe experience food insecurity. This was highlighted by the Minister of Health on June 7, 2026, during International Food Safety Day. Collective intoxications, infections from pathogens like Salmonella or Escherichia coli, and chemical contaminations disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Dr. Robert Kargougou, the Minister of Health, emphasized that food, while a source of life, can become a vector of suffering if poorly preserved, prepared, or contaminated. He noted that in a country where informal markets, street food, and traditional culinary practices are central, constant vigilance is crucial. The economic burden of foodborne illness includes healthcare costs, lost productivity, and household vulnerability. The Minister stressed that food safety should be a universal right, ensuring that rural populations, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable families receive the same health guarantees. He affirmed that the government rigorously controls emergency food aid, especially in areas facing security challenges. Dr. Kargougou called for the commitment of all actors in the food chain, from farmers and producers to consumers, transporters, retailers, inspectors, and cooks, to make food safety a daily reality. He outlined key actions for food safety in Burkina Faso, including strengthe