Burundi is a landlocked country bordered by Rwanda (to the north), Tanzania (to the east and southeast) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (to the west). It battles with a vast array of health challenges, with diseases being a significant problem for its people. In the small, landlocked nation, the fight against infectious diseases and non-communicable health threats takes center stage as the government and various organizations relentlessly work to improve the nation’s well-being. Here are the top diseases impacting Burundi.

Malaria

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Burundi has been grappling with a significant upsurge in malaria cases in recent years. In 2020 alone, the country reported over 1 million malaria cases, an increase from the 600,000 cases recorded in the previous year. The surge can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including:

• Recurring malaria outbreaks over the past decade. 
• The presence of drug-resistant malaria parasites. 
• Cross-border transmissions from neighboring countries. 
• Climate change, creating more favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can be deadly, especially for children and pregnant women. The disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The government of Burundi is working to control the malaria outbreak. In recent years the government has distributed 6.8 million insecticide-treated bed nets and malaria medication to people in affected areas, alongside efforts to improve drainage and sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

HIV/AIDS 

Burundi is at a crossroads in its fight against HIV/AIDS. While commendable progress has been made in reducing new infections and deaths, with incident rates falling by 88% from 2002 to 2020, the country still faces issues with low rates of HIV testing among adolescents and young adults and alarming rates of mother-to-child transmission.

According to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Burundi has one of the world’s highest rates of mother-to-child HIV transmission, with approximately 50% of new infections in children aged 0–5. This high level of perinatal transmission results from the failure to provide ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) to many pregnant women living with HIV. While investments have undoubtedly propelled Burundi’s progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, persistent hurdles require further concerted action. Several approaches can be taken such as:

• Raising Awareness: Increasing public awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment is important.
• Accessible Services: Ensuring equitable access to high-quality testing and treatment services is an important step towards fighting HIV/AIDS.
• Ending Stigma: Combating the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is crucial for encouraging testing and treatment amongst the youth.

With enough support and collaborative efforts, Burundi can achieve its goal of eradicating the AIDS epidemic. Together we can support the nation’s resolve to overcome the challenges in this ongoing battle. 

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Economy

Data acquired from different sources reveal an alarming upward trend in almost all NCDs and their related risk factors across the Burundian population. The global nutrition report shows us that 5.5% of adult men and 5% of adult women were identified as being at high risk for the development of Diabetes and Hypertension, two chronic conditions that carry severe health implications. 

There’s the issue of Type 2 diabetes in Burundi being an economic burden, as it costs each patient $2,621 a year, which is significantly higher than the GDP per capita, which is $221.48.

The prevalence of obesity among younger children aged 5–10 years old is 28%. While both adult men and women are at risk, obesity is increasing sharply among children and adolescents, and cancer is also on the rise, with 7,929 new cancer cases. Urgent action is needed to prevent and manage NCDs with a focus on interventions for children, adolescents and women.

According to the Journal of Public Health in Africa, to address this crisis, preventative and management measures for NCDs would have to be put in place, such as: 

• Increase awareness of diabetes and hypertension.
• Provide access to quality health care services, including treatment and monitoring.
• Support research into new treatment and prevention strategies.

Final Thoughts on Diseases Impacting Burundi

Burundi faces a vast array of health challenges, from infectious diseases to non-communicable health problems. The government, alongside international partners and non-governmental organizations, is dedicated to addressing these issues. While progress is evident, challenges remain, including issues of accessibility, stigma and changes in the economy. The path forward demands continued dedication and collaboration to ensure that Burundi citizens can access quality health care and live healthier lives.

– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Flickr