Burundi : Suspension of trips to the United States and Canada for Congolese refugees in Burundi following the mpox epidemic

Hope has turned into uncertainty for hundreds of Congolese refugees who were on the lists of IOM (International Organization for Migration) awaiting relocation to Canada and the United States. Since Thursday, all transfers have been suspended for 21 days. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

While their suitcases were ready and their dreams of relocation to the United States and Canada materialized, a news broke the hopes of these Congolese refugees : the International Organization for Migration (OIM) suspended their trips for 21 days, A examination period dictated by the monkeypox epidemic. This decision follows the worrying propagation of the mpox epidemic (formerly known as Monkeypox) in the region, notably in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the
Burundian ministry in charge of health, Burundi has already recorded 171 confirmed cases of the mpox virus since the appearance of the first cases a month ago, announced on Thursday August 22, 2024 Dr Lyduine Baradahana, minister in charge of Health.

“Until Wednesday evening, we already had a cumulation of 171 confirmed positive cases, including 137 still active in at least 26 of the 49 health district.

In parallel, the DRC faces an even more critical situation with around 3,500 confirmed cases.

Mpox which manifests itself by symptoms similar to those of smallpox, can cause serious complications, especially in immunocompromised people. Health authorities put in place strict measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The suspension of trips for refugees is an additional effort to protect not only travelers, but also populations in host countries.

In the Gasorwe refugee camp in the Muyinga province in northeast Burundi, disappointment and uncertainty are palpable, for families that were preparing to leave in Canada and the United States.

“I was so looking forward to seeing my family again in the United States,” said a camp refugee.

“But, I don’t know when I can join them,” she said desperately.

The OIM reassures working in close collaboration with the ministry in charge of health in Burundi and the American and Canadian authorities to “find a solution that allows the resumption of relocation trips as quickly as possible”.

“We understand the concerns of the host countries in the face of the propagation of the virus, but we hope that this exam period will be as short as possible,” explains an OIM-Burundi official, who spoke under anonymity cover because he is not in charge of communication and relations with the press.

Burundi records the greatest number of infections in the region. As of August 20, 2024, 170 confirmed cases of Mpox were detected in 26 of the country’s 49 health districts, with a proportion of 45.3 % of women. Children and adolescents under the age of 20 represent almost 60 % of cases detected, children under the age of 5 representing 21 % of cases, the UNICEF announced on August 22.

The risks for children in Burundi are increased due to the simultaneous appearance of blasts of measles due to the low rate of children’s routine vaccination and high malnutrition levels. Although the response is underway, the country remains confronted with multiple challenges, including a shortage of diagnostic kits and drugs, low awareness of communities, high operational costs and the risk of disturbance of continuity of care services essential health, according to the UNICEF.

“The new mpox strain is a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. In addition to immediate interventions to save lives, communication efforts on risks and cross-border collaboration, investments in the overall strengthening of health systems, continuity of essential services and targeted concentration on programs that support the overall well-being of children must have priority, “said Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF regional director for East Africa and Southern Africa.

On August 14, the WHO declared monkeypox as an urgency of public health of international scope.