Post: Burkina Faso Achieves Milestone with First-Ever Kidney Transplant Performed by Local Medical Team

Ouagadougou: The Ministry of Health, through the Tengandogo University Hospital (CHU), performed the first-ever kidney transplant in Burkina Faso. The groundbreaking procedure took place in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, and was publicly announced during a press conference chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr. Robert Kargougou, on Wednesday, July 30.According to Burkina Information Agency, the press conference was attended by the Turkish Ambassador and his delegation, health officials, and media representatives. This initiative, led by the country's top health authorities under the guidance of the Head of State, aims to bolster the national health system. The project is designed to provide effective treatment for end-stage chronic renal failure and reduce the nation's reliance on medical evacuations abroad. By improving access to specialized care, the initiative not only saves lives but also sets the foundation for medical autonomy for Burkinabe patients.Dr. Robert Kargougou, the Minister of Heal th, emphasized that the successful completion of the first kidney transplant represents a significant advancement in Burkina Faso's pursuit of health sovereignty. He noted that this medical achievement highlights the enhancement of specialized healthcare services through collaboration between Burkinabe and Turkish medical teams. This success "marks a decisive turning point for the Burkinabe health system and paves the way for other specialized interventions at the national level," Dr. Kargougou stated.Lin Somda, Director General of Tengandogo University Hospital, expressed immense satisfaction with this achievement for both the patients awaiting treatment and the medical teams who accomplished this in just 13 months. He acknowledged the vital contribution of the Turkish Organ Donation Foundation, which played a key role in strengthening staff skills and establishing the necessary infrastructure for the program's success.Professor Ali Özer, head of the Turkish delegation, commended the success of the opera tion, attributing it to two years of collaboration with the Burkinabe team. He confirmed that the donor underwent laparoscopic surgery without complications and that the transplanted kidney is functioning perfectly, a testament to rigorous preparation and exemplary teamwork.Dr. Boureima Ouédraogo, a urologist at Tengandogo University Hospital, explained that the transplant is the result of two years of preparation, including medical assessments and training. The procedure involved a donor and a recipient, operated respectively by laparoscopy and open surgery, resulting in a fully functional transplanted kidney without complications.Professor Gérard Coulibaly, nephrologist and coordinator of the National Transplant Program, hailed this breakthrough as a significant relief for patients with kidney failure. He noted that the national program oversees all processes related to the donation and transplantation of human organs, tissues, and cells in Burkina Faso.In conclusion, the Minister expressed deep grati tude to the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for his unwavering support, and to all the health professionals involved in this historic operation. He also praised the quality of cooperation with Trkiye, which facilitated an effective transfer of expertise for the benefit of young Burkinabe doctors.