MSF BURUNDI/DRC: The humanitarian situation in Burundi remains alarming
Since 5 December, more than 90,000 refugees have fled to Burundi following escalation of violence in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Busuma camp in Ruyigi, people seeking safety face a dire humanitarian situation, far below minimum standards, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
“This is the largest influx of refugees in years. In the newly established Busuma camp, set up on a hill, you can see thousands of tents lined up one next to the other. We are very far from minimum standards in terms of access to water, food and healthcare,” explains Carolina Lopez Led, MSF emergency coordinator.
To meet health needs in Busuma camp, where around 65,000 people were settled, MSF opened a clinic on 3 January. Most of the consultations were related to respiratory infections, malaria, diarrhea, and parasitic diseases. Our teams are also working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to provide logistical support and capacity building for health workers at the 47-bed cholera treatment centre. In Makombe transit camp, at the border with DRC, MSF teams are organizing distribution of jerrycans, mosquito nets, soap, and basic hygiene items for over 1,500 people.
In Busuma camp, it is estimated that each person currently has access to 2.5 litres of water per day. Despite some improvements, it is still far from the five litres considered essential for survival, and even further from the 15 litres required to meet minimum humanitarian standards. On average, one latrine is available for every 98 people, which is half the minimum standard. MSF teams deliver 51,000 liters of water per day by tanker truck and is planning more sustainable solutions to distribute larger quantities. There is still a huge need to ensure vital hygiene for people and limit the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
In these extremely difficult living conditions, authorities have confirmed dozens of deaths. Médecins Sans Frontières is committed to improving access to essential healthcare and ensuring high-quality, free services for the people in the camp to prevent further deaths.
“The massive influx of refugees took everyone by surprise. The authorities and humanitarian organizations are under pressure to respond to the needs as quickly as possible,” adds Lopez Led. Without rapid support and sufficient funds, the humanitarian actors will not be able to cope with the magnitude of the needs, and the situation risks deteriorating rapidly.