History

The Order of Merit for Health and Social Action was founded by Decree on October 30, 2006. It is conferred upon government employees who are employed in Ministries involved with health and social services, as well as all other Burkinabé citizens who have made significant contributions to the health and social services of the nation over a span of at least 10 years. All members must be at least 25 years old. When conferred posthumously, it is awarded to those who made significant contributions to the health and social sector in recognition of acts of bravery. The Order may also be conferred upon foreigners or awarded in absence of service requirements, but only under exceptional circumstances. Promotion to a higher grade may be made after 5 years in the lower grade accompanied by additional merits.

The Order may be awarded with a clasp that denotes the type of recognised merit. The clasps include:
- SANTE (Health)
- ACTION SOCIALE (Social Action)

The reverse inscription translates to “Burkina Faso, Unity, Progress, Justice, Order of Merit of Health and Social Action.”