The United Kingdom strengthens its Support to Burundi to enhance epidemic prevention and preparedness

Bujumbura, 19 August 2026 – The Government of the United Kingdom, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is providing a contribution of £1.1 million to UNICEF Burundi to support the efforts of the Government of Burundi, through the Ministry of Public Health, to strengthen preparedness, prevention, and response to the risks of cholera outbreaks and Ebola Virus Disease, including the Bundibugyo strain.

This support reflects the importance placed on strengthening the preparedness of the national health system and protecting populations from public health threats. It is part of a close partnership between the Governments of Burundi and the United Kingdom and UNICEF, in support of Burundi’s national health priorities.

A contribution of £300,000, covering the period from 15 June 2026 to 31 March 2027, will support Burundi’s national cholera preparedness and prevention efforts. This support will help strengthen case management capacity at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Clinic Cholera Treatment Centre and the Rubirizi Cholera Treatment Centre, improve patient flow management, and reinforce infection prevention and control measures. It will also contribute to strengthening disease surveillance, rapid response capacity, access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, as well as risk communication and community engagement.    

The second component of this support, amounting to £800,000 and covering the period from 10 July 2026 to 31 March 2027, will focus on strengthening national preparedness and prevention measures against the risk of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Interventions will be implemented at strategic points of entry and their catchment areas, including Gatumba and Gaharawe, the Port of Rumonge and Birimba, Kobero and Rabiro, as well as Bujumbura International Airport and Gakumbu. These locations serve an estimated population of 170,000 people at risk of cross-border disease transmission. 

The support will contribute to strengthening disease surveillance, early detection, health facility preparedness, and rapid response capacity, as well as infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, risk communication, and community engagement.

Government of Burundi and the coordination of the Ministry of Public Health, with UNICEF providing technical and operational support in collaboration with relevant partners. This support from the Government of the United Kingdom contributes to Burundi’s efforts to anticipate public health threats, strengthen national preparedness and response capacities, and protect populations, while consolidating the gains achieved by the health system.

The Governments of Burundi and the United Kingdom, together with UNICEF, therefore, reaffirm their commitment to maintaining close and coordinated collaboration to strengthen health security and reduce the risks associated with epidemics.