Burundi

04 May 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, Burundi received four times as many reports of cholera cases as in the same period in 2025, pointing to a resurgence that goes beyond routine seasonal variation. With only 45% of the population having access to basic sanitation and 66% to basic drinking water, transmission risks are already structurally embedded. Contamination of the grid water supply, normally classified as a basic water source, has expanded the number of households at risk. The outbreak is concentrated in health districts bordering Lake Tanganyika, with the epicentre in Nyanza-Lac, where overcrowded fishing ports and widespread dependence on untreated lake water increase transmission risk. The Ministry of Health had recorded 806 cases across 12 districts by 13 April. With cases already elevated, the current trajectory raises serious concerns that Burundi's historically higher transmission period in the second half of the year could produce a significantly more severe outbreak. (Beacon 25/04/2026, IFRC 04/05/2026, JMP accessed 05/05/2026)

05 January 2026

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forces and the March 23 Movement have been engaged in intensified armed clashes around Uvira town (Sud-Kivu) since early December 2025, triggering large-scale displacement into Burundi. By 28 December, 101,000 individuals from eastern DRC had arrived through the Buganda, Gatumba, and Rumonge border points. Crossings have continued into January 2026, sustaining pressure on reception and transit capacities. The influx is heightening public health, nutrition, and protection concerns in Burundi. Rising food insecurity and limited WASH access are increasing malnutrition and disease risks, particularly among children. Protection incidents include cases of unaccompanied and separated children and heightened exposure to gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse. Amid a cholera outbreak, insufficient diagnostic capacity, limited inpatient facilities, and weak referral systems are aggravating morbidity and mortality. Humanitarian priorities include improving mobile health and nutrition services, disease surveillance, WASH infrastructure, and decongestion measures at entry and transit sites. (RFI 04/01/2026, RFI 01/01/2026, (Govt. Burundi/UNHCR 28/12/2025, UNICEF 05/01/2025)

02 December 2025

A fuel shortage in eastern Burundi has halted UNHCR partner movements, disrupting services in the Bwagiriza, Kavumu, and Nyankanda refugee camps. Pharmacies are closed, essential medicines have run out, and health facilities cannot function properly. Around 40,000 refugees have been affected, losing access to basic healthcare and essential services. (SOS 27/11/2025, SOS 02/10/2025)

07 October 2025

Food security conditions in Burundi are projected to deteriorate significantly from October–December 2025, with 1.8 million people (15% of the population) projected to reach Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels, up by 630,000 from August–September. The deterioration coincides with the lean season, when household food stocks are depleted and purchasing power declines. Rising food prices, reduced livelihood opportunities, and further cuts in humanitarian assistance are expected to worsen needs. Macroeconomic instability and sustained inflation will particularly affect the Imbo Plains and Eastern Lowlands, where households depend atypically on market purchases amid below-average incomes. Anticipated La Niña conditions may bring below-average rainfall from October–December, undermining seasonal crop production, while localised flooding and restricted cross-border trade with Rwanda may worsen food insecurity across affected livelihood zones. (IPC 07/10/2025, FEWS NET 01/10/2025)

01 April 2025

By 27 March 2025, over 70,000 Congolese refugees had fled to Burundi to escape conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The influx is straining Burundi’s already limited resources, adding to the 89,000 Congolese refugees already staying in and placing immense pressure on existing refugee sites and transit centres. Arrivals have slowed to 200–300 people per day, but the refugees urgently require shelter, food, medical care, and protection. A cholera outbreak has also been reported in Cibitoke province, exposing the dire sanitary conditions and poor infrastructure in camps. By 29 March, six among hundreds of suspected cases were confirmed. Severe water shortages leave refugees without access to clean water for days, undermining basic hygiene practices such as handwashing. Overcrowding further worsens the crisis, with vulnerable groups, especially children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, facing the highest risks given the lack of clean water and poor living conditions. (UNICEF 29/03/2025, RPA 17/03/2025, UNICEF 15/03/2025)

25 February 2025

Since January 2025, approximately 65,000 people, including Congolese and returning Burundians, have fled to Burundi from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with over 56,000 needing protection. Most originate from conflict-affected areas such as Bukavu and Goma. Northwestern Burundi faces the strain of arrivals, as many are injured or infected with measles, overwhelming resources amid worsening conditions. (UNHCR 25/02/2025, Reuters 22/02/2025)

03 December 2024

Burundi faces a critical combination of malnutrition and a rapidly escalating Mpox outbreak. Between June 2024 and May 2025, an estimated 484,000 children ages six months to five years are projected to experience acute malnutrition, more than double since 2022. 85,000 are expected to experience severe acute malnutrition, a concerning 44% increase compared to the March 2022 to February 2023 projection. The Mpox outbreak, declared a state of emergency on 25 July 2024, is aggravating the situation. The clade 1b strain is spreading quickly, disproportionately affecting children under five, who account for nearly 30% of the 2,050 confirmed cases. Malnourished children living in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited healthcare are particularly vulnerable, with Mpox mortality rates among children reported to be four times higher than those among adults. The outbreak has further aggravated food insecurity as families divert resources to care for affected members. (IPC 19/11/2024, UNICEF 25/11/2024, WHO 02/12/2024)