{"id":7202,"date":"2022-09-19T11:52:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-19T11:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chiesifoundation.org\/burundi\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T13:40:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T13:40:37","slug":"burundi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.paolochiesifoundation.org\/en\/burundi\/","title":{"rendered":"Burundi"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The country<\/h2><\/span>
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Burundi, a country in Central Africa, is characterized by a complex interdependence of geographical, socioeconomic and political factors. Its location in the Great Lakes region, with a predominantly hilly terrain and tropical climate, has a significant impact on natural resources and the environment. High population density and dependence on subsistence agriculture place a strain on arable land and water resources. <\/span><\/p>\n

In 2023, Burundi’s population was estimated at approximately 13,689,450, with significant population growth. The population is predominantly rural, with 86% of the population living in rural areas and only 14% in urban areas. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 62 years for men and 66 years for women. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Global<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

From a socioeconomic point of view, Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Inequality is marked and access to essential services such as education and health is limited, especially in rural areas. The country’s political history has been marked by ethnic conflict and instability, with repercussions on governance and development. The political system, despite being a presidential republic, is fragile and characterized by opacity and corruption. <\/span><\/p>\n

Burundi has one of the most fragile health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Decades of political instability, armed conflict and deep poverty have devastated the country’s health sector. Access to basic health services is extremely limited, with acute shortages of trained medical personnel, essential medicines and adequate infrastructure. Infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV\/AIDS are endemic, and infant and maternal mortality are among the highest in the world. <\/span><\/p>\n

In 2022, the neonatal mortality rate in Burundi was approximately 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure highlights the urgent need to improve neonatal care in the country, where access to quality health services is limited and resources are scarce. The Paolo Chiesi Foundation, through the NEST project ( <\/span>Neonatal Essentials for Survival and Thriving<\/span><\/i> ), is working to address these challenges and improve neonatal survival in Burundi.<\/span><\/p>\n

(<\/span>Source:<\/span><\/i> data.who.int<\/a><\/i><\/span>)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Burundi in numbers<\/p><\/h2><\/span>

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Burundi in numbers<\/p><\/h2><\/span>

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\"Neonatology<\/span><\/div>
\"Neonatology<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Our intervention<\/h2><\/span>
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The Paolo Chiesi Foundation has undertaken an ambitious project in Burundi, focused on improving neonatal care, particularly through the promotion of the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The collaboration with Ngozi Hospital was fundamental to the realization of this project. After supporting the construction of an area dedicated to KMC, the Foundation focused its efforts on training health personnel and spreading the method at the provincial level. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

A key element of the project was the creation of a KMC manual and the development of a specific training model, adapted to the local context. This enabled the transfer of the necessary knowledge to healthcare personnel to implement KMC in their facilities. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

The assessment of birth centers in Ngozi province provided a comprehensive overview of the local health situation, identifying areas for improvement and specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Ngozi Regional Hospital remains a leading provider of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in Burundi. Thanks to the support of the Paolo Chiesi Foundation, this healthcare facility received significant national recognition in 2023, consolidating its role as a training center for this practice, which is crucial for the survival and development of premature infants. <\/span><\/p>\n

The integration of KMC into neonatal care was made possible thanks to intense teamwork between the Paolo Chiesi Foundation, its local partner Amahoro pro Africa, and the hospital’s healthcare staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>