HEALTHCARE SCENARIO OF BUJUMBURA

BUJUMBURA

Bujumbura, formerly known as Usumbura, is the largest city and economic capital of Burundi, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Tanganyika. As of February 14, 2025, it serves as a crucial hub for trade and commerce in the region. With a population estimated at over 1.2 million in the metropolitan area as of 2023, Bujumbura continues to face challenges related to infrastructure and public health but remains a key player in Burundi’s growth and development.

HEALTHCARE INSIGHTS:

1. Mpox Outbreak

• An Mpox epidemic was declared in Burundi on July 25, 2024
• As of January 05, 2025, the epidemic has spread from 46 health districts out of 49, or 93.8% of the districts.
• Of these, 17 are currently active, having reported at least one confirmed case in the last 21 days compared to 26 in November and 33 in October.
• A total of 1,767 cases out of 3,035 confirmed cases reported were recorded in three health districts of Bujumbura (Bujumbura North, Center and South), or 58,2%.
• Bujumbura North is the most affected district with 1,142 cases, or 37.6% compared to 38.1% in November.

2. Cholera

• UNICEF supported the treatment of cholera cases at Bujumbura General Hospital and Buterere Hospital.
• In October 2024, 14 cholera cases were reported, bringing the total to 722 since January 2024.

Source: unicef.org

 DISEASE BURDEN IN BUJUMBURA:

In 2024, Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, experienced a significant disease burden characterized by both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The following outlines the key aspects of the disease burden in the city.

Communicable Diseases

1. Malaria- The incidence rate increased from 200 to 291 per 1,000 population since 2015, indicating a worsening situation.
2. Tuberculosis- The incidence of TB was reported at 100 per 100,000 people in 2021, with a slight decrease in mortality rates over recent years.
3. HIV/AIDS – As of 2021, approximately 210,343 individuals were receiving antiretroviral therapy.
4. Cholera:A cholera outbreak was ongoing with a cumulative total of 722 cases reported by October 2024.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

1. Prevalence:
   • NCDs accounted for a significant portion of mortality in Burundi, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 720 per 100,000 for males and 582 for females in 2021.

Source:afro.who.int

PROJECTED DISEASE TRENDS

In the next five years, Bujumbura is expected to experience significant changes in disease burden, influenced by various factors such as ongoing health crises, socioeconomic conditions, and public health interventions. Here are the projected trends:

1. MALARIA – Malaria cases are anticipated to continue rising due to factors such as low usage of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), climate change, and food insecurity.
2. MPOX – The Mpox outbreak that began in 2024 is projected to exacerbate malnutrition levels among children, leading to higher susceptibility to infections.
3. TUBERCULOSIS – TB incidence is expected to remain stable or slightly decrease due to ongoing efforts in diagnosis and treatment.
4. HIV/AIDS – Continued efforts by organizations like PEPFAR are likely to improve HIV management, but the burden remains high in Bujumbura.
5. MENTAL HEALTH – Mental health issues may also rise as a result of ongoing economic challenges and health crises, impacting overall community well-being.
6. CHILD HEALTH – The under-five mortality rate is projected to remain high if interventions for malnutrition and infectious diseases are not prioritized. With around 484,000 children facing acute malnutrition expected by mid-2025, the risk of preventable deaths will increase significantly without urgent action

 LIST OF MAJOR HOSPITALS:

Source: gov.uk

 CONCLUSION

The disease burden in Bujumbura in 2024 reflects a complex interplay of communicable diseases such as malaria and cholera alongside rising non-communicable diseases. Addressing the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases through targeted strategies—such as enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving access to trained medical personnel, and implementing effective public health campaigns—will be essential for fostering a healthier population. As Bujumbura navigates these challenges, collaboration between government entities, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders will be vital in reshaping the future of healthcare in the region.