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Burundi

One of most underdeveloped countries in the world, Burundi has an impoverished rural population with limited access to maternal healthcare.

Why We Work in Burundi

Burundi is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in the world, according to the United Nations Human Development Index. Burundi underwent a civil war from 1993-2005 that killed 200,000 members of its population. This continues to have a significant effect on the country’s development.

Risk factors for obstetric fistula are prevalent in Burundi. It has an impoverished rural population, and access to maternal healthcare is limited. Early marriage is common and the fertility rate is one of the highest in the world. In addition, according to a 2006 survey by the United Nations Population Fund, traditionally-held beliefs contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality: some Burundians believe a “real” woman should be able to deliver a baby on her own, without any skilled personnel to assist.

What You Help Us Do

We made the following investments to build Burundi’s in-country medical services and provide life-transforming surgery to as many women as possible:

Cost of Fistula Surgeries
Surgeon Training
Community Outreach

Meet Our Partners

Who are our current partners?

Urumuri Centre, Gitega Regional Hospital

  • Location: Gitega
  • Partner since: 2024
Who are our past partners?

Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA International)

  • Location: Gihofi
  • Partner In: 2014
How much funding have we granted?

How much funding have we granted?

Below are funding totals since the start of each partnership.

Current Partners

  • Urumuri Centre, Gitega Regional Hospital: $46,850

Past Partners

  • Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA International): $166,000

 

News from the Field

Meet Siana from Burundi  •  August 05, 2015
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Siana developed an obstetric fistula after going through a difficult pregnancy at just 14. Siana's grandmother, who was beside her as she went into labor, was originally reluctant to let...
Siana developed an obstetric fistula after going through a difficult pregnancy at just 14. Siana's grandmother, who was beside her as she went into labor, was originally reluctant to let her give birth in a hospital. After complications arose, however, it became apparent that she needed to go to a health facility. Unfortunately it was too late: the baby was a stillborn.
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Dispatches from the Field  •  November 26, 2014
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This September, Fistula Foundation Director of Marketing and Development Joop Rubens and Board member Dr. Larry William traveled to Central and East Africa to visit several of our partner sites....
This September, Fistula Foundation Director of Marketing and Development Joop Rubens and Board member Dr. Larry William traveled to Central and East Africa to visit several of our partner sites. They began their journey at one of our longest-term partners, Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, before moving on to Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. Read about highlights from their trip below.
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