Burundi is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as thousands of people fleeing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to cross the border. Since late 2025, more than 100,000 refugees—most of them women and children—have arrived in the country after escaping armed conflict in South Kivu. Many have settled in refugee camps where they urgently need access to health care, food, shelter, clean water, sanitation and protection services. The influx of displaced people has placed increasing pressure on health facilities and basic infrastructure in communities hosting refugees.
The crisis is unfolding alongside other challenges affecting Burundi, including food insecurity, climate-related displacement caused by floods and landslides, and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and mpox. Health facilities in affected areas are experiencing rising numbers of patients as they try to provide medical care to both refugees and local residents. The World Health Organization has acknowledged Burundi’s efforts in hosting people fleeing conflict and is working with national authorities to expand health services and strengthen emergency preparedness.
During a recent visit to the country, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Janabi met with government officials and humanitarian partners to assess the situation and reinforce support for the health response. At the Busuma refugee site, which hosts more than 75,000 refugees living in extremely difficult conditions, he observed the scale of humanitarian needs and the efforts being made to deliver essential health services to displaced families.
To support refugees and host communities, WHO has established a health post at the Busuma site and deployed mobile clinic services. The facility has already provided more than 16,000 medical consultations, supported dozens of safe deliveries and vaccinated over 28,000 children against measles. Health teams are also offering mental health and psychosocial support and identifying cases of malnutrition to ensure affected individuals receive appropriate treatment.
These services are helping families who have fled violence access timely care, including treatment for common illnesses, maternal health support, vaccination and mental health services. At the same time, WHO is working closely with the Government of Burundi and humanitarian partners to strengthen disease surveillance, improve vaccination coverage and promote community engagement in areas affected by displacement and overcrowding.
During his visit, Dr Janabi met with President Évariste Ndayishimiye and expressed appreciation for the country’s willingness to host refugees despite the pressures on national resources. He also met with First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye to discuss cooperation on advancing national health priorities, particularly maternal and child health initiatives.
In discussions with the Minister of Public Health, Dr Lydwine Baradahana, WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen health services and respond to emergencies. The organization provided 24 tonnes of essential medicines to assist with the cholera response and donated three vehicles to support emergency health operations and improve service delivery in affected regions.
As the humanitarian situation continues to evolve, WHO and its partners remain committed to helping Burundi expand access to essential health services, prevent disease outbreaks and strengthen the resilience of the country’s health system to better respond to current and future health challenges.
