The malaria outbreak continues at a breakneck speed in the East African country of Burundi, according to the latest data.  Between 01 January 2017 and 26 March 2017, a total of 2,600,409 clinical malaria cases and 1,170 deaths were reported in the country. In absolute terms, this reflects a 55% and 22% increase in caseload and fatality respectively, compared to the same period in 2016 when 1,804,258 cases and 841 deaths were registered.

Burundi/CIA
Burundi/CIA

The malaria epidemic was formally declared by Ministry of Health on 13 March 2017.

The malaria outbreak situation in Burundi remains severe with 9 provinces ( Gitega, Kirundo, Muyinga, Karusi, Kayanza, Ngosi, Ruyigi, Cankuzo, and Cibitoke) in epidemic phase having high incidence rates.

The first batch of antimalarial medicines (artemisinin-based) has arrived in the country: 3,000 doses for children 2 to 11 months; 21,000 doses for children aged 1 to 5 years; 26,300 doses for children aged 6 to 13 years; 10,000 doses for 14 years and above. In addition, 6,605 rapid diagnostic tests donated by UNICEF and MSF have arrived.

Indoor residual spraying was carried out in 12,744 households in Gashoho and Muyinga health districts from 18 – 31 March 2017, covering 69.3% of the planned 18,402 households. The activity is still going on.

The response to the outbreak has not yet gained the required momentum to transition to emergency mode. The resources and other inputs are not sufficient to provide comprehensive coverage to all the affected provinces.

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