Burundi's Ministry of Public Health, with support from Africa CDC, initiated a five-day training workshop in Bujumbura on Monday. The program is designed to enhance the preparedness of healthcare providers in the country, particularly focusing on those from Mudubugu. This targeted approach aims to strengthen local response capabilities within the broader national framework. Participants are focusing on critical aspects of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and full Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) management. This initiative aims to strengthen the national health system's capacity to respond effectively to potential outbreaks and protect both patients and medical personnel. The training covers theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for rapid detection and containment strategies, ensuring a strong and coordinated response to health emergencies.
Minister Notes Preparedness Needs
The workshop, which began on Monday, August 17, 2026, is scheduled to run until August 21, 2026. This intensive five-day program shows the urgency and importance placed on health security by the Burundian government. Burundi's Minister of Public Health, Fidèle Nkezabahizi, emphasized that the risk of importing a highly virulent pathology remains particularly high due to intense cross-border exchanges. This geographical reality necessitates a proactive and well-trained healthcare workforce capable of managing such threats. Minister Nkezabahizi stated that the protection of citizens is the absolute priority, adding that the "major objective is to transmit theoretical knowledge and practical know-how to act efficiently and safely." This commitment reflects the government's dedication to safeguarding public health against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Jean Bosco Girukwishaka, Africa CDC Country Representative, addressing patient care, specified that management must adopt a global approach. This approach, Girukwishaka noted, should encompass clinical, nutritional, and psychosocial dimensions, from patient triage through to recovery, ensuring holistic support for those affected.
Workshop Content and Objectives
The training in Bujumbura aims to strengthen Burundi's strategic preparedness for health emergencies, building a resilient health system. Participants are engaging in practical simulation exercises, which include demonstrations of proper hand hygiene and the correct procedures for donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These hands-on sessions are key for embedding best practices and ensuring that healthcare providers can perform critical tasks safely and effectively under pressure. The workshop curriculum also covers essential topics such as epidemiological surveillance, which is vital for tracking disease spread, and the application of standardized case definitions, ensuring consistent identification of cases. Further areas of instruction include detailed investigation techniques, early diagnosis protocols to facilitate prompt treatment, and the dignified and safe management of deceased individuals, a critical component of EVD response to prevent further transmission. The full nature of the training ensures that participants gain a wide array of skills necessary for an integrated public health response.
Partnership for Health Security
The training is specifically intended for healthcare providers from Mudubugu, strengthening local response capabilities and ensuring that preparedness extends to all regions. Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) have affirmed their commitment to supporting Burundi's Ministry of Public Health in maintaining the resilience of the national health system. This ongoing international collaboration is fundamental to building sustainable health security in the region. Africa CDC Country Representative, Jean Bosco Girukwishaka, emphasized that preparation for health crises must be a continuous process. Girukwishaka stated that readiness should be "built continuously and not improvised at the outbreak of a crisis," noting the importance of sustained investment in training and infrastructure. This current session is organized by the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, receiving vital support from Burundi's National Institute of Public Health (INSP) and Africa CDC, showing the collaborative effort behind this critical health initiative.