In this paper I explore the possible effects of health policies in Burkina Faso on the health status of its population. Relations between health indicators for mothers and their young children and their determinants are estimated using data from a recent Demographic and Health Survey. Of the determinants, general education, the supply of safe water and sanitation, and the provision of health care can be influenced by health policies. In absence of price data the estimated equations include proximity indicators for health care facilities, for which three specifications are tried, but the results show only modest to low influence of these indicators. According to the estimations, better living standards have a positive impact on the nutritional status of mother and child, and reduce the prevalence of illness among children. Education of the mother positively influences her nutritional status and that of her young children, but does not seem to affect their illness frequency. Safe drinking water is positively related to the nutritional status of mothers and children, but its effect on illness of children is unclear. Toilet facilities do not seem to have any impact at all. Also a positive effect of health care on health is hard to establish, and health status is positively correlated to a few types of facilities only. Effects of private health facilities seem more pronounced than those of public ones, but may be biased due to selectivity. Of all vaccinations, only those against measles reduce the illness frequency of young children.