"Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 40% of its population (reaching 20.5 million inhabitants, according to the latest census data from 2019) living in poverty. Since 2015, the security situation has continuously deteriorated due to the violent actions of several armed jihadist groups (GOA). The country now faces more than 1 million internally displaced people and around 1.5 million people in a situation of food insecurity.

In the intervention regions, the displaced population is increasing, and the demographic pressure requires a preparation and response plan that focuses on strengthening the fight against malnutrition and improving the food security system. In the Centre-West Region, 9% of children under the age of 5 suffer from severe malnutrition, and 21.5% suffer from chronic malnutrition.

Even in the capital city, Ouagadougou, child malnutrition rates remain high, with more than 8% of children under the age of 5 suffering from severe malnutrition, particularly in the informal settlements (non-lotis neighborhoods). These settlements are home to more than a third of the city's population and face severe lack of basic sanitation.

Medicus Mundi Italia works to improve the nutritional and sanitary conditions of the vulnerable population in these areas, especially pregnant women, infants, and children. They achieve this by strengthening the skills of health workers and agents in health centers and communities to prevent, diagnose, and treat malnutrition.

Additionally, the organization raises awareness about proper water use and hygiene, provides communities with water supply, collection, and distribution sources, and rehabilitates sanitation facilities in remote health centers. Active community participation is essential for mother-child health, and families are involved in sessions of nutritional education, the identification of malnutrition in children, and the development of agro-food production for self-consumption.