Deadline: 15-Sep-2025
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has launched a new initiative in Burundi aimed at improving health and nutrition services for refugees, returnees, and host communities.
Covering multiple provinces including Ngozi, Rumonge, Bubanza, Ruyigi, Cankuzo, Rutana, Muyinga, Bujumbura Mairie, and Makamba, the project seeks to strengthen access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations across the country.
The project is centered on one overarching goal: ensuring that by 2027, all people under UNHCR’s mandate in Burundi have full access to comprehensive health services, including mental health care and psychosocial support. This commitment reflects UNHCR’s broader vision of protecting and empowering displaced populations through sustainable and inclusive health systems.
A key focus of the program is the expansion of primary health care services. Communities will benefit from better access to clinics, preventive care, and treatment options that meet their daily needs. Alongside this, the project prioritizes mental health and psychosocial support, an area often overlooked in emergency contexts. By aligning these services with international minimum standards, the initiative ensures that individuals coping with trauma or psychological distress receive adequate care and support.
Reproductive health and HIV services are also integral to the program. UNHCR aims to improve availability and access to essential reproductive health care, ensuring that women, men, and young people receive safe, equitable, and timely services. These efforts contribute directly to reducing health risks and improving long-term well-being among refugee and host populations.
Nutrition is another pillar of the initiative. The project will work to improve the nutritional status of all people under UNHCR’s care, recognizing the close link between proper nutrition, overall health, and resilience. By addressing malnutrition and strengthening food-related support systems, the program seeks to create healthier and more stable communities.
This multi-sectoral approach underscores UNHCR’s commitment to holistic health care in Burundi. By combining access to primary care, mental health support, reproductive health services, and nutrition, the initiative lays the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities capable of meeting the challenges of displacement and recovery.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.