Evaluation of the response to covid-19 in Burkina Faso

Objective: To describe and understand how the response to the Covid-19 pandemic was formulated and implemented in Burkina FasoMethodology: The study consisted of a literature review and a qualitative approach based on individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the response to Covid-19 in Burkina Faso.Results: The public authorities were able to anticipate the arrival of the virus through good preparation based on the development of guidelines and response plans. However, the solutions proposed were based on experience, particularly that of the Ebola epidemic that hit West Africa in 2013. In the emergency, policy makers took measures without real consultation with civil society, which hindered the implementation of certain response measures.Conclusion: The response was designed using a top-down approach without a real consultation process involving the communities. The central government has played a dominant role in the formulation and implementation of the response. External actors have significantly influenced the orientation and content of the Covid-19 response policy.