Burundi

What is happening in Burundi?

HealthNet TPO has been active in Burundi since 2000, providing mental health and psychosocial support to people affected by conflict, child soldiers, refugees and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. More than 20 years later, we continue to strengthen the Burundian health system, so that it can meet the specific health and psychosocial needs of the Burundian population.

Burundi is one of the fragile states in the East Africa Community. Almost 65% of the population lives in poverty and 72% earn less than 1.90 USD per day. The 2015 socio-political crisis had negative effects on the country, particularly on public finances and the formal sector and has had a direct impact on health and education.

The overall health situation is very critical as people cannot easily access health services; there are only 16 hospital beds and 1 physician every 20,000 people. Malnutrition and preventable diseases are prevalent, reflecting the dire state of the healthcare system and limited resources. These issues impact the most vulnerable people in society, such as pregnant women and children.

In Burundi, 1.5 million people (i.e., 11% of the total population) require humanitarian assistance due to various crises, including displacement, food insecurity, and natural disaster. In addition, 19% of the population is in need of emergency aid, facing acute food insecurity.