After more than 20 years of dedicated service and commitment to HealthNet TPO and to the people of Burundi, Joseph Nduwumwami, Burundi Country Director, is retiring from his role. We caught up with him, to learn more about his experiences and the work of the organisation over two decades in Burundi.
HealthNet TPO started its operations in Burundi in 2000 and you have been with us (almost) since the beginning. How did you first get involved with the organisation?
I first started working for TPO (Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation) in 2002 as a consultant. My tasks were essential for proposal writing and reporting, but I also helped the Financial Manager in the calculation of the taxes and pension to be paid to the government.
How has HealthNet TPO changed over the decades?
In 2000, when TPO started in Burundi, all the projects were focused on mental health and psychosocial support. Burundi was in a social crisis. There were many people with illnesses related to trauma and the activities of TPO have helped many people. The programme started in four provinces but by 2004 it had been extended to the whole country. In 2005, following the merger of TPO and HealthNet International, the programme expanded beyond MHPSS to all areas of health covering gender-based violence, health financing, social inclusion, community health strengthening, improvement of quality care and much more.
“HealthNet TPO is known as the pioneer of mental health in Burundi, and we must keep this activity as a transversal activity in all programmes in Burundi and globally”
–
Can you describe the projects that you have been involved with?
During the last 20 years, almost 30 projects have been implemented in Burundi. The key projects that have made a lasting difference include:
- Mental Health and Psychosocial support to the Burundi Population (2000-2008) funded by BUZA;
- Dutch Consortium for Rehabilitation (2011-2015) funded by BUZA;
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Right (2012-2016) funded by Dutch Embassy in Burundi;
- Fanning the Spike: A Consortium with Achmea, Alterra and HealthNet TPO(2013-2016) funded by the Dutch Government;
- Performance-Based Financing (2013) funded by GAVI Alliance
- Twiteho Amagara (2019-2023) funded by the EC.
In your opinion, what is the biggest achievement that HealthNet TPO reached in Burundi?
The integration of mental health within basic healthcare. Now, mental health and psychosocial support is part of the package of health are provided by the Ministry of Health. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors and community health workers have been trained in identifying, referring and treating mental health and psychosocial problems. Psychotropic drugs, which were not part of the essential list of medicines in Burundi, now are.
What impact have you seen within communities over the two decades, with the integration of HNTPO’s projects?
When TPO first started in Burundi, there were many problems related to mental health and psychosocial disorders and this was our focus at that time. Since this period, TPO and other organisations were supporting mental health and psychosocial concerns. HNTPO was instrumental in training other organisations to fulfil this. From training healthcare professionals and mental healthcare within the health system. At a community level, healthcare workers have been integral to reduce stigma, raise awareness to mental health problems and take action to prevent concerns worsening. We have witnessed more people being seen by health professionals and an understanding the mental health is just as important has physical health. We are happy and proud with what has been achieved in Burundi and HNTPO has helped to achieve this.
What is your favourite moment or memory about your experience with HealthNet TPO?
My favourite moments have been spending quality time with colleagues after work. Every Friday, we would do sports and share a drink with all members of our staff. It was a great moment to see everyone happy. This strengthened the cohesion between staff without taking in consideration the category of staff.
Can you describe the biggest challenge you faced as Country Director, operating in Burundi?
The biggest challenge we faced is the problem of funding. In Burundi, many international NGOs are in competition and it is not easy to get funds for vital projects. HNTPO does not have its own funds that can be used temporarily when the situation is not good. The organisation can lose out on opportunities when a donor wants us to contribute own funds to a project. HNTPO has to look toward a long-term vision to be less reliant on institutional donors only.
How do you see a future for HNTPO in the country?
HealthNet TPO has a good record of accomplishment and is well known in the whole country by the Government and by other international organisations. HealthNet TPO is known as the pioneer of mental health in Burundi, and we must keep this activity as a transversal activity in all programmes in Burundi and globally. Of course, this needs to continue the advocacy for mental health, which is ignored by many donors.
