BUJUMBURA, Burundi — The African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a three-day training session for community health agents in Burundi to enhance efforts in detecting and controlling Mpox, a viral disease that continues to pose public health challenges.
Dr. Jean Bosco Girukwishaka, an advisor to the director-general of Africa CDC and head of the Burundi country office, stated that the training aligns with Africa CDC’s commitment to supporting countries in eliminating infectious diseases. He highlighted the crucial role of community health agents in early case detection, contact tracing, and monitoring. However, he noted that community-level implementation of such strategies has been limited in the past.
Olivier Nijimbere, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, who officiated the training launch, pointed out that Mpox is not only a public health concern but also an economic burden. He emphasized that significant government resources are allocated to free treatment for patients—funds that could otherwise be directed toward infrastructure projects such as schools and hospitals.
According to Nijimbere, as of March 10, 2025, Burundi has recorded 3,625 Mpox cases, with 3,524 recoveries, 100 ongoing hospitalizations, and one fatality. He identified northern Bujumbura and Gitega, the political capital, as the most affected regions, accounting for over 50% of cases. More than 200 community health agents from Bujumbura Mairie South, Central, and North, as well as the districts of Isare and Gitega, participated in the training. He urged participants to submit daily reports on cases and ensure ongoing disease surveillance, particularly given Burundi’s recent intake of Congolese refugees.
To support their fieldwork, participants received equipment, including umbrellas, vests, and backpacks.
During the closing session on Friday, Dr. Willy Beya, an epidemiologist from Africa CDC, reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts in combating Mpox. He announced a targeted one-month campaign aimed at reducing transmission through proactive case identification and hospital referrals.
Community health agents expressed confidence in their ability to implement the strategies learned. “We have acquired practical techniques to engage with communities,” said Dushime Ange Kelly, a community health agent in the northern district of Buterere, Bujumbura. “We anticipate a noticeable decline in cases within the next month.”
As part of its ongoing support, Africa CDC donated medical supplies to Burundi’s Ministry of Health, including two television screens, 10,000 Mpox molecular diagnostic tests, 10,080 nucleic acid extraction tests, 10,000 swab and viral transport medium (VTIM) kits, and one nucleic acid extraction system (SSNP-20008). The donation also included protective gear such as gloves and essential medical tools.
