Mpox continues to menace Burundi
December 11, 2024
Burundi faces a challenging mpox outbreak, with over 2,300 cases reported since July 2024, predominantly in Bujumbura and Gitega. Health workers highlight the urgent need for protective equipment and specialized training. Regional collaborations are intensifying, with the East African Community deploying emergency experts to bolster local response capacity. Social stigma against survivors like Nyabuyoya Balthazar persists, prompting government-led awareness campaigns. While mpox cases show signs of stabilizing, children remain disproportionately affected. Strengthened health infrastructure, enhanced training, and sustained public education are critical to combating the virus and reducing its social and public health impact.
Burundi continues to battle an escalating mpox outbreak, with 2,334 reported cases and one confirmed death by December 2024. The outbreak, driven by the Clade Ib strain, has hit Bujumbura and Gitega hardest, where health workers grapple with limited resources. Children remain disproportionately affected, accounting for 80% of fatalities in the region, according to UNICEF.
The East African Community (EAC) has mobilized its Rapidly Deployable Expert Pool, deploying specialists to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has reported over 7,000 cases. These teams, in partnership with the German Epidemic Preparedness Team, are conducting infection control training, improving lab diagnostics, and addressing severe shortages of medical supplies and personal protective equipment.
Health worker Marie Niyonkuru expressed hope amid declining patient numbers, though resource constraints persist. Meanwhile, Burundi’s government has intensified public awareness campaigns. Radio advertisements, community outreach, and hospital-based education aim to dispel myths and reduce stigma against survivors like Nyabuyoya Balthazar, a mechanic from Bujumbura who faced social rejection despite his recovery.
Surveillance teams now actively track cases and conduct contact tracing. However, experts warn that social stigma and lack of comprehensive health education may hinder response efforts. To sustain progress, Burundi must continue enhancing medical infrastructure, strengthening training programs, and securing critical supplies.
The response’s success depends on collaborative regional efforts and global support. While recent reports suggest a plateau in cases, ongoing vigilance and sustained community engagement are essential to controlling the outbreak and mitigating its long-term social and public health consequences. By addressing the twin challenges of medical preparedness and social acceptance, Burundi can navigate this health emergency and build a more resilient public health system.