An interview with Bertine Ouaro

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a nutritionist and I am in charge of the Dietary department and of the promotion of healthy diets. I have 5 agents working under me, the majority of whom are nutritionists.
My work includes the following responsibilities:

• Providing support and advice on nutrition issues
• Coordinating cross sector activities in nutrition issues
• Initiating and promoting campaigns to change behaviour and adopt healthy diets
• Increasing knowledge and promoting consumption of local foods
• Taking part in the training of nutrition matters
• Managing the monitoring, supervision and evaluation of nutrition and food projects and programmes

I have been working in the nutrition department since 2004.

Could you describe the nutritional context of Burkina Faso? What causes the high rates of malnutrition?

The households with which we work generally suffer from high rates of undernutrition and lack access to a number of key nutrients including iron, iodine and vitamin A. Young children, nursing mothers and other adults endure poor dietary practices. This is exacerbated by the lack of knowledge on good dietary and health practices in communities in addition to a low rate of literacy. Food insecurity is also an issue in rural communities and in the suburbs of the capital.

According to a national nutrition survey carried out in Burkina Faso in 2009, 10.7% of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, 28.6% from chronic malnutrition and 31.4% are underweight.

Could you provide an example of some of the achievements your department has made in combatting malnutrition in Burkina Faso?

Over the last few months we have printed a book of pictures depicting key activities which aim to increase the knowledge of nutrition in communities. The book will be finalised, printed and disseminated throughout all of the health districts of the country. We have also developed and produced a guide providing dietary advice which should prevent chronic illnesses linked to a lack of nutrition which exist in developing countries. A final example is the production of a plan to boost exclusive maternal breastfeeding in the next two years.

What motivates you to go to work everyday? What is your inspiration?

I am motivated by tackling the variety of challenges which present themselves on a daily basis and which need resolving before objectives can be met. I also thrive on working under pressure to achieve planned activities without incurring any delays. I am inspired by the satisfaction which comes from of the work that I do and by continually learning in my role. In reality, we learn constantly when we are working and forming new relationships.