Numerous social, economic and environmental factors are converging in Burundi, placing the east African country on the verge of another dangerous food shortage beginning in August. For thousands of families striving to reestablish their lives after years of civil war and chaos, International Medical Corps will be the only source of medical and nutritional assistance.
Beans, the principal crop of the February to June harvest season, have been hit by the early arrival of the dry season in some parts of Burundi. Meanwhile, in other areas, heavy rains have contributed to the rapid spread of the mosaic virus, destroying 80% of the manioc crop. Manioc, a type of yam, is the staple food for many Burundian families.
The corresponding drop in production has caused food prices to increase, all at a time when repatriation of Burundian refugees is boosting the demand for food.
Burundi can hardly afford another food shortage. Despite a general improvement in the socio-political environment after years of civil war, rural families remain so poor that they have essentially no mechanisms for coping with food insecurity.
“The world should be very concerned about this situation,” explains Sonja van Osch, International Medical Corps’ Country Director in Burundi. “Malnutrition rates in Burundi have been increasing since 2002, yet those most at risk have little protection. Eighty percent of the population has no access to health care.”
Malnutrition and overall health are tightly intertwined. Children under five in rural Burundi are at particular risk of developing diarrheal diseases, malaria and upper respiratory tract infections, which make them more susceptible to malnutrition. Likewise, malnutrition weakens the immune system and increases vulnerability to disease and infections.
In collaboration with the US Agency for International Development, the UK Department for International Development, UNICEF, WFP and FAO, International Medical Corps is assisting the Ministry of Health by strengthening primary health care and nutrition service delivery in six of Burundi’s 16 provinces.
International Medical Corps is, however, the last remaining health care and nutrition safety net in Kirundo, Muyinga, Muramvya and Rutana Provinces. Many other non-governmental organizations have turned their attention exclusively to transitional programs, leaving little coverage for the most vulnerable.
International Medical Corps currently operates three therapeutic feeding centers to treat the severely malnourished, as well as 41 supplementary feeding centers for the moderately malnourished. In addition, to prevent malnutrition and promote the self-reliance of its beneficiaries, International Medical Corps cultivates demonstration gardens adjacent to the feeding centers and distributes seeds of nutritionally strategic crops.
“Food security and access to health care are prerequisites to efforts by the international community and the Burundian government to reestablish communities and prevent future waves of displacement,” van Osch says. “The next several months are not just about saving lives and relieving suffering, but also laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant society.”