In 2024, the Airbus Foundation's support became a lifeline for the community of humanitarian actors in Burkina Faso. By providing around 50 hours of helicopter use, the Airbus Foundation not only improved but transformed our delivery of vital assistance to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring timely aid to affected populations. This contribution from the Airbus Foundation has substantially contributed to the country's humanitarian efforts.
The humanitarian needs in Burkina Faso are escalating at an alarming rate, with the country holding its position as the world's most neglected displacement crisis for the second consecutive year. The situation is dire, and urgent action is required.[1] Increased insecurity in conflict areas has severely restricted access to communities in need, limiting the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide essential support.
Despite facing severe restrictions due to increased insecurity in conflict areas, the partnership between the Logistics Cluster partnered with the Airbus Foundation enabled the provision of humanitarian cargo air transport to hard-to-reach areas.
The first and second phases of the operation focused on the Eastern region, targeting ten communities, some of which had been inaccessible by land for over two years. This support enabled the delivery of medicines to the Diapaga health center, equipped the Gayéri maternity ward, and restocked supplies for NGOs working in these locations. All sectors benefited from this donation, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of the Burkina Faso Logistics Cluster and the effectiveness of the Airbus Foundation's support.
The second mission focused primarily on Food Security (95%) during the lean season and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities (5%). It prioritized two hard-to-reach areas, Diapaga and Kantchari. This support was crucial during the lean season when stocks were depleted and harvesting was still underway, helping beneficiaries survive until the harvest. Additionally, scarce rains and security issues had reduced the availability of arable land. Thirteen organisations in total benefited from the Airbus Foundation donation to the Burkina Faso Logistics Cluster and its partners. This operation successfully reached nine of eleven hard-to-reach areas in the Eastern region.
Naser Tatsa, Supply Chain Manager from MSF Spain, noted: “Thanks to this operation, we could remove essential equipment blocked in Pama and dispatch it to Kompienga and Fada. We also took the opportunity to supply our Matiacoali and Kompienga bases with medicines, bearing in mind that a few months earlier, we had used special flights -which were quite costly- to manage cargo shipments to the bases. This operation has had a very positive impact on our operations”.
The Association Bon Berger for Participatory Development (ABDLP) and the Association TIN TUA highlighted the benefits of the Airbus Foundation operations: “The Airbus Foundation have facilitated the delivery of goods and services in areas with high-security challenges and difficult access, thereby strengthening social cohesion and community life in these areas. Moreover, it has considerably reduced the costs of transporting goods and services for our staff.”
The Logistics Cluster played a crucial role in consolidating the requests, prioritizing destinations, and planning operations to fit the allocated hours by the Airbus Foundation. The team in the country organized the reception, management, handling, and loading of items into the helicopter, coordinated follow-ups during flights, and partnered with local teams upon arrival. The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), provided GPS data for landing areas to ensure smooth cargo arrivals.
“Air transport remains an essential solution, but one that involves significant costs. The situation demands immediate and sustained support. In the Humanitarian Response Plan's last update, the logistics sector has a huge gap and is funded at 19.1%” stated Mame Bess, Burkina Faso Logistics Cluster Coordinator.
“This joint mission was essential because, thanks to the use of helicopters, it made it possible to provide equipment for the NGO staff deployed in the area and to deliver medicines and specialised medical equipment to areas that are very difficult to access”, pointed out Sophie Pignol, Airbus Foundation Disaster Response & Operations Coordinator.
Moving Forward
Reflecting on this mission's achievements and on behalf of the community of humanitarian partners, the Logistics Cluster extends our heartfelt thanks to the Airbus Foundation for its unwavering support and commitment to humanitarian aid. Together, we continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
For more information, visit the Burkina Faso Logistics Cluster webpage and the Airbus Foundation website.
[1] Les crises de déplacement les plus négligées dans le monde 2023, Conseil norvégien pour les réfugiés (NRC), 2023.