Saaba: The Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment, Dr. Boureima Kouanda, inaugurated the Dr. Jean Marie Sawadogo medicinal grove in the rural commune of Saaba. The grove, housing 250 plant species, is intended to contribute to the healthcare of Burkinab¨ citizens and the health sovereignty of Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Kouanda was accompanied by several officials on Saturday, July 26, 2025, to the village of Zakin, located east of Ouagadougou, to oversee the inauguration. The medicinal grove occupies an area of 1.5 hectares, with plans to expand to 6 hectares. This initiative aligns with the vision of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, to enable Burkinab¨ to utilize local resources for healthcare, thus regaining health sovereignty.
Dr. Kouanda highlighted the grove's solar water supply system and drip irrigation, which will support plant growth during heat and drought. The Chief of Staff of the Minister of Health, Dr. Adjima COMBARY, acknowledged the scientific and ecological significance of the project, which is expected to contribute to sustainable health sovereignty.
Dr. Nao Nedi©, president of the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists of Burkina Faso, praised the medicinal grove as an "open-air laboratory" that will soon be accessible to students from various universities. The initiative, led by the late Dr. Jean Marie Sawadogo, aims to support Burkina Faso in producing medicines from local resources, ensuring quality and accessible healthcare for all citizens.
The initiative is now carried forward by Dr. Sawadogo's family, led by his son, Dr. Anicet Sawadogo, Director General of the GAMET Laboratory. Dr. Anicet Sawadogo emphasized the scientific potential of local plants and the importance of continuing his father's work to transform traditional remedies into standardized therapeutic solutions.
Dr. Anicet Sawadogo, along with his family and partners, is committed to continuing research, sustainable cultivation, and production of quality medicines. "The GAMET Laboratory is dedicated to building an autonomous, resilient, and proud Burkina Faso," he stated, ensuring the continuation and expansion of his father's legacy.
