Concern Worldwide is increasing emergency nutrition and sanitation support for refugees in Burundi’s Busuma refugee camp, where more than 60,000 people have arrived after fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The humanitarian organization says the overcrowded camp is facing severe pressure on essential services, including water supply, sanitation facilities, healthcare, and nutrition support. Children make up around 60% of the camp’s population, placing young children and vulnerable families at increased risk of disease and malnutrition.
Concern is expanding its response to support pregnant and breastfeeding women, mothers with young babies, and children vulnerable to acute malnutrition. The organization is also constructing additional toilets and showers to improve hygiene and reduce the spread of illness.
The support builds on Concern’s existing emergency nutrition work in the camp, where thousands of children have already been screened for acute malnutrition. The organization is focusing on prevention and treatment efforts to protect those most at risk.
The crisis has been driven by ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has forced many people to leave their homes in search of safety. The situation has placed significant pressure on humanitarian resources, with concerns that international funding reductions could further worsen conditions.
Limited access to food, healthcare, and clean water has increased health risks inside the camp. Reduced food assistance has also created uncertainty for families who depend heavily on humanitarian support.
Concern warns that poor living conditions may influence some refugees to return to areas of eastern DRC despite continued instability and security risks.
Funded by Irish Aid, the World Food Programme, and Concern’s emergency resources supported by public donations, the organization’s work aims to provide urgent assistance and prevent further loss of life.
Concern Worldwide has been operating in Burundi since 1997, supporting communities through programs focused on health, nutrition, livelihoods, and social protection.
