Buganda: Eight cases of cholera recorded in less than 48 hours in Nyamitanga and Ndava-Village

SOS Médias Burundi

The health status is becoming serious in certain areas of Buganda commune, where cholera is resurfacing. In just two days, eight cases have been confirmed, including five children. Health authorities are sounding the alarm.

Cibitoke, April 9 – The hills of Nyamitanga and Ndava-Village, in Buganda commune, Cibitoke province (northwestern Burundi), are facing a worrying resurgence of cholera. Since Monday, April 7, eight people – mostly children – are confirmed infected, according to local health services.

The symptoms reported are serious: repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, and acute diarrhea. Patients are currently being treated in the nearest health facilities, but the lack of resources makes the situation even more worrying.

A situation worsened by the rains

The recent torrential rains have severely damaged basic infrastructure, particularly community latrines, making hygiene conditions extremely precarious. Added to this, the destruction of drinking water points has further exposed populations to waterborne diseases.

“We live without clean water, without toilets. We lack everything: medicine, food, mattresses… We feel abandoned,” says a resident of Ndava.

Last week, the Red Cross issued an alert regarding the rapidly deteriorating conditions in several hills, notably Kansega and Kaburantwa, which are also threatened by a possible spread.

Calls for help and expected response

The chief medical officer of the Cibitoke health district has confirmed the cases and called for urgent mobilization. Awareness campaigns have been launched, but resources are lacking. The Red Cross, in coordination with health authorities, is expected on the ground to begin disinfection operations and distribute chlorinated water.

“It is imperative to contain the epidemic before it spreads to other hills,” insists a local medical source.

While awaiting a more structured response, residents live in fear of a broader health crisis. The situation remains to be closely monitored in the coming days.

Cholera in Burundi: A Recurring Threat

Since 2023, Burundi has faced regular outbreaks of cholera, particularly in the provinces of Bujumbura (west), Cibitoke, Rumonge, and Makamba (southwest). The deterioration of hygiene infrastructure, population displacement, and insufficient access to drinking water are among the main causes.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, more than 2,000 cases of cholera were recorded between January 2023 and December 2024, with peaks during the rainy seasons. Several areas, particularly around Lake Tanganyika, have been identified as endemic.

Despite awareness campaigns conducted with the support of the WHO and UNICEF, responses are often hampered by a lack of logistical and human resources. The government announced a national prevention plan in early 2025, but its implementation remains limited in isolated rural areas such as Buganda.

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A man at the cholera treatment center in Rugombo in northwestern Burundi (SOS Media Burundi)