BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Over 64,000 refugees fleeing escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have crossed into Burundi, intensifying an already growing humanitarian emergency.
In response, UNFPA is urgently ramping efforts to provide critical health and protection services for vulnerable women, girls, and young people arriving in the country. The majority of those crossing the border are women and children, including approximately 2,500 pregnant women and 7,000 malnourished children. The new influx is overwhelming Burundi’s fragile health system, which is already stretched thin. The crisis unfolds as the country faces the lingering impact of the El Niño-induced emergency, which has displaced thousands more in the northwest.
The Government of Burundi, with the support of UNFPA and other partners, is scaling up vital services including sexual and reproductive health care and prevention and response for gender-based violence, to meet urgent needs on the ground.
“In times of crisis, women and girls face heightened risks. Our priority is to protect their rights, ensure their dignity, and deliver lifesaving health and protection services,” said Judicael Elidje, UNFPA Resident Representative in Burundi.
“We are working closely with the government and humanitarian partners to respond to the urgent health and protection needs of those affected, particularly women and girls.”
Despite these critical efforts, the humanitarian response faces a significant funding gap. UNFPA requires USD 3.7 million over the next six months to fully implement its life-saving interventions targeting gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and youth resilience initiatives.
The worsening situation calls for immediate action as thousands more refugees are expected to cross into Burundi in the coming weeks, further exacerbating the existing humanitarian burden.
At a glance - UNFPA’s response
- 42,000 people reached with gender-based violence prevention and response services, including psychosocial support and case management for 330 survivors.
- 3,250 individuals were provided with sexual health and reproductive services, including emergency obstetric care and clinical management of rape.
- 1,750 dignity, baby, and menstrual hygiene kits were distributed to promote the health, safety, and dignity of women and girls.
- 17 reproductive health kits were delivered to health facilities to meet the needs of 30,000 people.
- Four safe spaces for women and girls and two youth spaces were established for protection, empowerment, and resilience-building.
For more information, please contact:
Queen Belle Monique Nyeniteka - nyeniteka@unfpa.org
UNFPA Burundi
Daisy Diamante Leoncio
UNFPA East and Southern Africa - leoncio@unfpa.org
