Strengthening the Healthcare System in the Republic of Burundi “Amagara Yacu – Our Health”

At the heart of the priorities of national authorities and health partners in Burundi, the implementation of the National Health Plan 2019–2025 is a major focus of the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS.

To support a comprehensive and tailored response to the country’s structural challenges such as shortages and unequal distribution of health personnel, and the need for improved infrastructure and equipment, this project seeks to strengthen Burundi’s health system while addressing gender-related barriers to accessing care.

This strengthening effort is based on a specific partnership agreement between the Burundian Red Cross, the French Red Cross, and the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight against AIDS.

The project is implemented by a consortium led by the French Red Cross and the Burundian Red Cross, with support from Amref Health Africa and the Mérieux Foundation.

The project is grounded in the strategic frameworks, policies and needs identified by national health authorities. It aims to improve the quality of Human Resources for Health (HRH), support the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and the National Reference Laboratory (LNR), strengthen the capacities of community actors to address gender inequalities and issues related to sexual and reproductive health, and ensure the autonomy and safety of the national blood transfusion system by supporting the National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS).

Gender issues, malnutrition, and sexual and reproductive health will be integrated into the revision of INSP training curricula, continuing education for community health workers and medical personnel, as well as household awareness-raising activities.

The project will strengthen Burundi’s health system through complementary interventions across several key areas. First, support to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) will improve the quality of Human Resources for Health by enabling the delivery of high-quality, adapted training programmes and reinforcing administrative and scientific management capacities. This effort will be complemented by the development of e-learning modules for continuing medical education in the provinces of Muramvya and Ngozi, as well as the creation of a national mapping of health personnel to guide the Ministry in planning their distribution and training needs. 

The project will also reinforce the national blood transfusion system by supporting the National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS) to improve the availability, accessibility and safety of blood products throughout the country. In parallel, diagnostic capacities will be enhanced at the National Reference Laboratory (LNR) through new equipment, technical training and strengthened quality management and biosafety systems. 

Through the project’s third component, which focuses on support to the National Reference Laboratory (LNR), diagnostic activities will be expanded and improved, notably through the installation of equipment, training in its use, and ongoing technical assistance for the laboratory. To strengthen the LNR’s overall quality and organisation, particular attention will be given to quality management, biosafety practices, and the upgrading of sample collection rooms.

Finally, the last component of Amagara Yacu aims to build the capacities of community actors on gender inequalities and sexual and reproductive health. Key community members will be equipped to carry out awareness-raising activities, and sexual and reproductive health services will be improved thanks to strong community mobilisation.