Photo of the week-Bujumbura : fear of poisoning fuels an uncontrolled business

The fear of poisoning is gaining ground in Burundi’s commercial capital. Faced with persistent illnesses, many families are abandoning traditional healthcare facilities in favor of alternative centers with controversial methods. Between collective anxiety, questionable injections, and high costs, the phenomenon is causing concern.

When an illness lasts for several weeks without apparent improvement, one suspicion frequently arises in discussions : poisoning. For some residents, it is not simply a health problem, but an intentionally inflicted illness that the hospital cannot detect or effectively treat.

Centers overwhelmed

Cases are being reported in several neighborhoods of the city : Kamenge, Kinama, and Buterere in the north, Buyenzi in the center, and Kabezi on the southern outskirts. A center located on Muyinga Avenue, in the heart of downtown Rohero, has been attracting particular attention in recent days.

There, the anxiety is palpable. “We don’t know where our children could have caught this poison. They hardly ever leave the house,” confides a mother encountered in front of the center. Another person states, “You can even be contaminated by the wind.”

These remarks reflect the fear and confusion surrounding this phenomenon.

A “test” costing 5,000 Bif

According to testimonies gathered, patients are first registered before undergoing a “test” consisting of placing a strip of tape around their arm. After about thirty minutes, they are told whether or not they have poison in their system.

The cost of the test is set at 5,000 Bif. In the event of a positive result, the medication is billed at approximately 55,000 Bif. The patient then receives an injection, sometimes accompanied by an intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injections. An appointment is often scheduled for a follow-up injection.

Serious questions

Several witnesses claim that these injections are administered by individuals whose medical qualifications are not clearly established. The irregular use of protective equipment and the treatment of children under these conditions raise concerns.

Questions remain :
Do the individuals administering these injections have recognized training?
Are the administered products approved by health authorities?
Are the detection methods used based on validated scientific evidence?

In the absence of official information, doubt persists.

A significant economic impact

Beyond the health risks, the fear of poisoning comes at a cost. Between testing fees, repeated injections, and medications, expenses quickly accumulate. For low-income households, these expenses can lead to debt.

Faced with the increasing number of cases, many are calling on health authorities to investigate these practices and strictly regulate the activities of these centers.

Between popular beliefs and a lack of visible oversight, the fear of poisoning reveals a worrying gap in healthcare regulation in Bujumbura—a gap for which families are now paying the price.

Our photo : several Bujumbura residents in a corridor of the Rohero center, waiting to be seen for a “test” for suspected poisoning