Bujumbura, Burundi – Burundi and the United Nations have launched a joint, four-year program to combat HIV/AIDS in five of the country’s most affected provinces.
The initiative, valued at approximately 40 billion Burundian francs (roughly $14 million USD), was announced by Public Health and AIDS Control Minister Lyduine Baradahana on Wednesday.
“Our vision is a Burundi free of HIV/AIDS by 2027,” declared Minister Baradahana. “This program aims to achieve zero new infections, zero deaths from HIV-related causes, and zero discrimination against those living with the virus.”
The program will focus its efforts on the provinces of Muyinga, Makamba, Gitega, Kirundo, and Bujumbura Municipality. These areas have been identified as having a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS compared to the rest of the country. HIV/AIDS remains one of Burundi’s most pressing health concerns, alongside malaria and diabetes.
