The World Health Day : the local NGO PARCEM raises the alarm about the Burundian health system

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, April 9, 2026 — On the occasion of the World Health Day, celebrated every April 7, the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for strengthened scientific collaboration to address global health challenges. In Burundi, this day highlights the profound weaknesses of the health system, denounced by several civil society actors, including the NGO PARCEM.

The theme chosen for the 2026 edition, “Unite for Health and Support Science,” emphasizes the need to translate scientific knowledge into concrete actions to save lives and guarantee a healthier future.

A health system under pressure

On this occasion, Faustin Ndikumana, legal representative of the local NGO PARCEM (Words and Actions for Awakening Consciences and Change of Mindsets), paints an alarming picture :

“The situation in the health sector is worrying when one takes stock of it. Health facilities do not meet standards, access to medicines remains limited, and healthcare providers lack motivation.”

The organization highlights several worrying indicators :

A resurgence of cholera, which was declared eradicated three years ago;

Nearly 5 million cases of malaria with approximately 600 deaths per year;

Around 1,500 cases of tuberculosis;

An increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

A failing governance and system

The NGO, which advocates for good governance, also points to numerous dysfunctions :

Non-compliance with health standards;

Shortages of medications in public facilities;

Illegal sale of pharmaceutical products;

Difficulties accessing healthcare for civil servants;

The ineffectiveness of the health insurance card, linked to state debt since 2005.

“Burundians are paying the price for a broken system, where resources are not used effectively,” denounces PARCEM.

The medical exodus : a major challenge

The reality of the exodus of healthcare personnel has become difficult to ignore. According to the Burundi Medical Association, more than 300 doctors have left the country in the last five years, primarily for Rwanda, Kenya, and Europe.

In some provinces, a single doctor sometimes serves more than 100,000 inhabitants, a situation that seriously jeopardizes access to basic healthcare.

This shortage is exacerbated by :

non-compliance with WHO standards (one doctor per 1,000 inhabitants);

delayed payments to healthcare professionals;

difficult working conditions.

Inadequate Infrastructure and Equipment

Several material challenges persist:

Hospitals and health centers in urgent need of rehabilitation;

Infrastructure built without meeting standards;

Fuel shortages hindering patient transport;

Insufficient cold storage for medications;

Scarce or defective laboratory equipment.

A call for urgent reforms

PARCEM calls on the Burundian government to ensure transparent and effective management of resources, particularly the $156 million allocated by the U.S. government for the health sector.

In a context where the international community emphasizes scientific cooperation to address health challenges, the situation in Burundi highlights the urgent need for profound structural reforms and rigorous governance.

“It is imperative that concrete measures be taken to guarantee equitable access to healthcare for all,” concludes Faustin Ndikumana.