Download logoOCHA reports that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to support Government-led efforts to strengthen Ebola preparedness in Burundi.
While Burundi has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, the country remains at higher risk due to its proximity to affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and continued cross-border population movements.
Preparedness efforts include strengthened surveillance at points of entry through temperature screening, the deployment of thermal scanners, and plans to install thermo-scan devices at the international airport in Bujumbura.
Risk communication and community engagement activities have also expanded, including training for 60 community health workers and media professionals, as well as the distribution of nearly 30,000 Ebola prevention posters in Kirundi, Swahili and French.
In addition, 32 healthcare providers have received training on Ebola case management and patient care, while eight public health nurses from priority districts were trained in infection prevention and control.
With support from WHO and partners, national authorities are updating guidelines for the management of Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers, and laboratories are adopting new procedures for the safe collection and transport of Ebola samples.
At the end of June, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher allocated $2 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to bolster Ebola readiness in Burundi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
