Burundi, a small landlocked country in East Africa, has embarked on a transformative journey to improve its healthcare system, a feat that was once deemed almost impossible amid challenges such as limited resources and a tumultuous political past.
Over the past few years, the nation has witnessed a remarkable increase in access to healthcare services, a reduction in mortality rates, and the establishment of innovative health initiatives that aim to improve the well-being of its citizens. Nonetheless, challenges remain with the country still having a long way to go to meet its 2030 goals in the healthcare sector.
Encouraging statistics
According to a World Bank analysis, Burundi’s maternal mortality rate has dropped significantly over the last 20 years. The ratio of maternal deaths has decreased from 874 in 2000 to 494 in 2020. Life expectancy at birth has increased by 20.2 years from 43.8 years in 2000 to 64 years in 2021, according to another World Bank analysis.
A report by Macrotrends also indicates positive dynamics in terms of infant mortality. For every 1,000 live births, there were 36.735 infant deaths in 2023 representing a 3.02% decrease from 37.877 deaths in 2022 which had seen a 2.93% decrease from 2021.
What has changed?
Dr. Jean-Pierre Niyonzim, the Minister of Health for Burundi, told DevelopmentAid that the country has adopted a strategic approach to healthcare reform.
“Our ministry has prioritized essential health services, emphasizing preventive care and community-based programs”.
He highlighted that the government has allocated more funds to healthcare with the aim of bolstering the infrastructure and capacity of medical facilities across the nation.
One of the standout initiatives has been the introduction of community health workers, a program designed to extend healthcare services to even the most remote areas. Trained individuals from local communities visit households to provide health education, maternal care, and basic medical services.
According to Dr. Thaddée Ndikumana, a public health expert, this grassroots approach has not only improved health indicators but has also empowered communities.
“By involving the community in healthcare delivery, we are fostering a culture of well-being and ensuring that no one is left behind,” he explained.
With a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates, local hospitals are becoming increasingly better equipped to handle complex deliveries.
“I recently gave birth at the hospital, and I was amazed at the quality of care I received,” shared Aline, a new mother in Bujumbura. “The nurses were attentive, and I never felt alone during my time there.”
Still a long way to go
Despite Burundi’s healthcare system being on an upward trajectory, challenges remain. Many healthcare facilities continue to struggle with inadequate infrastructure and staffing shortages.
As one of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi has long grappled with insufficient healthcare resources. Community health facilities are overwhelmed and operate with limited equipment or even lack essential equipment such as defibrillators and ultrasound machines.
Furthermore, many medical institutions have irregular access to electricity and water. According to hospital physician, Dr. Jean-Pierre Niyonzim:
“We frequently rely on generators to power our equipment, which is not only costly but also unreliable.”
Shortage of healthcare professionals
With an estimated population of 11.5 million, Burundi has less than 200 medical specialists in all specialties, with more than 95% being based in the country’s capital city of Bujumbura, which is home to just 2.7% of the country’s total population according to a report by UK’s National Institutes of Health. Several regions report numbers as low as one physician for every 10,000 residents.
Lack of access to essential medications and medical supplies is another serious problem. Many healthcare facilities in Burundi do not have the most basic medical supplies, forcing healthcare providers to make do with limited resources.
Calls for further improvement
Community advocates emphasize that despite the improvements recorded in the sector, urgent government intervention is needed to address the crippling challenges faced by healthcare providers.
“We need more funding for infrastructure, more training for doctors and nurses, and a reliable supply of essential medicines,” stressed Emmanuel Niyonkuru, a nurse at a local health facility. “Without these changes, we simply cannot provide the care our people deserve.”
Dr. Ndikumana emphasizes the importance of a long-term vision.
“Improvement is a continuous journey; we must remain steadfast and innovative in our approach to overcome the challenges we face.”
In recent months, the government has initiated discussions regarding healthcare reforms that aim to improve access and quality of care, but tangible changes remain slow. For many, the daily struggle to access healthcare services continues to undermine their well-being and hope for a healthier future.
By 2030, Burundi hopes to lower its maternal mortality rate from 568 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 – placing it among the top fifteen highest rates in the world – to less than 140 deaths per 100,000 live births to fulfil its ambitious agenda for maternal and newborn health. The country also hopes to reduce newborn mortality by half, from roughly 23 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2016 to less than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births.
