Stigma adds to Burundi's challenges in mpox fight
October 9, 2024
Eric Mbonigaba, a Burundian motorcycle taxi driver and one of the first mpox patients in the country, faces severe stigma after recovery. Despite spending four weeks in hospital, he now risks losing his home and livelihood due to discrimination. His landlady refuses his rent, and customers avoid him due to facial scars. This case highlights the challenges in Burundi's fight against mpox, Africa's second-worst affected country. With nearly 600 cases since July, a UN health official emphasizes that tackling stigma is crucial to controlling the outbreak within weeks, provided sufficient resources are available.
The story of Eric Mbonigaba, a 31-year-old motorcycle taxi driver in Burundi, sheds light on the complex challenges facing Africa's second-worst affected country in its battle against mpox. Despite recovering from the disease after a four-week hospital stay, Mbonigaba now faces a new struggle: intense social stigma that threatens his home and livelihood.
As one of the first diagnosed cases in Burundi, Mbonigaba's experience underscores the multifaceted nature of the mpox crisis. Upon returning to his home in Bujumbura, the financial capital, he was met with rejection from his landlady, who refused to accept his rent and threatened eviction. This leaves Mbonigaba, a father of two young boys, facing potential homelessness.
The visible scars on Mbonigaba's face, a common after-effect of mpox lesions, have become a source of fear and avoidance among his customers. Many refuse even basic greetings, severely impacting his ability to earn a living as a taxi driver. Sadly, Mbonigaba's case is not unique; he reports that a fellow patient faces similar eviction threats.
These instances of discrimination highlight a critical obstacle in Burundi's efforts to control the mpox outbreak. Paul Ngwakum, Regional Health Adviser for Eastern and Southern Africa for UNICEF, emphasized that stigma is a significant barrier to containing the disease. He stated that with adequate resources and efforts to combat stigma, Burundi could potentially stop the outbreak within weeks. However, if fear prevents people from seeking help, the crisis could be prolonged.
Since July 25, Burundi has recorded nearly 600 cases of mpox, placing it among the most severely affected countries in Africa. The experiences of survivors like Mbonigaba underscore the urgent need for not only medical interventions but also comprehensive strategies to address the social and economic impacts of the disease. Educating the public and combating misinformation are crucial steps in breaking the cycle of stigma and enabling effective containment of the mpox outbreak in Burundi.