Mirza Iqaan Ahmad, Burkina Faso
In a groundbreaking initiative that blended service to humanity with the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso organised a “Health for All” event on 31 May 2025, bringing medical aid and spiritual guidance under one roof. Healthcare professionals and volunteers offered free screenings for hypertension and diabetes, alongside a blood donation drive. At the same time, participants were introduced to the peaceful teachings of Islam through literature and personal interaction. This unique initiative stood out for its dual focus: addressing urgent health needs while exemplifying Islam’s message of compassion and service.
The event took place at the central mission of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Somgandé, Ouagadougou, in collaboration with the Ahmadiyya Medical Centre and Denk Pharma (a German pharmaceutical firm). The programme had two primary objectives: to encourage blood donation and to provide free health screenings for common chronic illnesses. Burkina Faso faces a critical shortage of blood. The National Blood Transfusion Centre in Ouagadougou receives a request of at least 300 blood units per day, but its fixed collection sites manage to supply only around 60 blood units. The remaining 240 must be obtained through mobile campaigns, making community-based efforts vital. In this context, the efforts of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya are both timely and impactful.
The representative of the National Blood Transfusion Centre, who attended the event, remarked, “Every day, we receive at least 300 requests for blood, which we are unable to fulfil. This is why we commend the Ahmadiyya youth for this donation. One unit of donated blood can save three lives.”
In addition to medical services, the event offered a tabligh exhibition, where Jamaat literature was displayed, including the Holy Quran translated into Mooré, the local language. Informative brochures about Islam were distributed, offering visitors insight into the true, peaceful teachings of Islam.
The event officially began with a silent prayer led by missionary, Daouda Koné Sahib, representative of Amir Sahib Jamaat Burkina Faso. He also participated in the medical screening, setting an example of the Jamaat’s commitment to public health. He was joined by the Regional Missionary, Nasir Iqbal Sahib; Naib Motamid Mulk (representing Sadr Majlis), and Qaid Ilaqah of Ouagadougou.
The programme received media coverage, with press representatives conducting interviews and highlighting the event’s societal impact. A day before the main event, a door-to-door sensitisation campaign was carried out in the Somgandé neighbourhood, educating residents about the importance of blood donation. Approximately 300 people were reached out to during this community mobilisation effort.
On the day of the event, 99 individuals came forward to donate blood, with 80 blood units successfully collected. 106 people benefited from free medical screenings for hypertension and diabetes. These screenings were facilitated by volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Medical Group of Burkina Faso, who offered their expertise throughout the day. In total, nearly 500 individuals were positively impacted by the initiative.
One of the day’s donors, Ali Kaboré, shared his thoughts on participating: “I decided to do it because I realised that in hospitals, every day, there are people who suffer, even die, due to a lack of blood. I’m more than happy to be able to give my blood to save at least one life. I invite those who have not yet done so not to hesitate.”