Supporting the health sector in Burundi

The health situation in Burundi is a major concern for the national authorities and their international partners. The health system is fragile and struggling to meet the needs of a steadily growing population. The government's National Health Development Plan (2019-2023) presents solutions to remedy the structural dysfunctions of the healthcare system. AFD is supporting the national authorities in implementing this strategy, via the Amagara Yacu health project.

AFD, through the Amagara Yacu project, is supporting the Burundian authorities in achieving the objectives of the Health Sector Strategy (2021-2027) aimed at strengthening the capacity and quality of the health system. The project is being implemented at national level, with a focus on the provinces of Ngozi and Muramvya.

Amagara Yacu is financed by AFD to the tune of 10 million euros over 3 years. The aim is to contribute to improving the quality of primary healthcare provision and epidemiological surveillance, while taking into account gender inequalities hindering access to healthcare.

AFD has entrusted implementation of the project to a consortium of civil society organizations led by the French Red Cross and comprising the Burundi Red Cross, the NGO Amref Health Africa and Fondation Mérieux.

The Amagara Yacu project will: 

• Support the implementation of the human resources production strategy by strengthening the Institut National de Santé Publique in its mission to provide initial training in nursing, midwifery and kinesitherapy;
• Consolidate epidemiological monitoring capacities by improving the operation of the National Public Health Laboratory;
• Support the blood transfusion sector by optimizing blood collection, blood management and the production of labile blood products to combat the consequences of anemia, notably caused by malnutrition.  

Some 1,500 students and healthcare staff benefit directly from the project.