Burkina Faso says it is launching free public transport and healthcare services to support family members of those who have died or been injured while defending the nation.

This comes after the Sahel nation formally recognised 315 people as national martyrs and 10 others as Invalides de la Nation (Disabled of the Nation)

The measures were approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Ibrahim Traoré on Thursday under legislation governing the status of national martyrs and injured veterans.

Government spokesman Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo said those recognised and their families will be entitled, among other benefits, to free public transport and public healthcare, psychosocial support and assistance for their minor children.

Providing lasting support

Ouédraogo added the measures were intended to provide lasting support to vulnerable families and dependants while formally recognising those who made sacrifices during Burkina Faso’s recent political, social and security events.

Authorities said its decision to support families of those killed or injured in the military goes hand-in-hand with its continual emphasis on national solidarity and the defence of Burkina Faso.

The government also approved the creation of a new public body in charge of maintaining government buildings and also adopted measures that tighten regulatory frameworks for non-governmental organisations.

Also approved was a draft law that establishes a new public health code to replace legislation dating from 1994.

The proposed code includes provisions for private healthcare, palliative care, health surveillance and pharmaceutical regulation, as well as the creation of a health reserve corps.