MSF Responds to Malaria Outbreak Among Congolese Refugees in Burundi
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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams undertook emergency interventions in Musenyi refugee site in Burundi between April and August to address a severe malaria outbreak affecting Congolese refugees who fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The situation in the camp, characterized by poor living conditions and limited healthcare access, led to alarming mortality rates, particularly among children and pregnant women. Despite notable efforts, long-term healthcare access remains a critical concern.
The Crisis in Musenyi refugee Site
Thousands of Congolese refugees have sought refuge in Burundi’s Musenyi site following escalating violence in Eastern DRC.https://www.msf.org/burundi/news-story/burundi-msf-responds-malaria-outbreak-among-congolese-refugees These refugees face dire conditions, including overcrowding and inadequate shelter, which have contributed to the rapid spread of diseases, most notably malaria. The lack of sufficient healthcare infrastructure within the camp has further exacerbated the crisis, overwhelming the existing health facility.
MSF’s Intervention: A Two-Phased Approach
MSF responded with a two-phased intervention to mitigate the impact of the malaria outbreak:
Phase 1: Emergency Medical Support (April)
Initial emergency intervention focused on providing support to the local hospital to manage severe cases of malaria in children and pregnant women – the most vulnerable populations.
An ambulance was deployed to facilitate the transfer of patients between the Musenyi site and the hospital, improving access to critical care.
Phase 2: Prevention and Infrastructure Advancement (June – August)
Mosquito repellent Systems: MSF installed mosquito repellent systems in all 116 communal sheds where families were initially housed while awaiting family shelters.
Large-Scale Spraying Campaign: A thorough spraying campaign was launched in early August, applying long-lasting insecticide to 1,146 shelters to provide sustained protection against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a key component of malaria prevention strategies, and this campaign aimed to supplement their use. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
Medical Supply Handover: Following the completion of the prevention campaign in mid-August, MSF withdrew from the camp, donating essential medical supplies – including medicines, beds, and mattresses – to the existing health facility to bolster its capacity.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Needs
Despite MSF’s interventions, significant challenges remain. The sole health facility in Musenyi continues to be overwhelmed by the demand for care,highlighting the urgent need for increased resources and infrastructure. Improving living conditions within the camp, including providing adequate shelter and sanitation, is also crucial for preventing the further spread of disease.
The World Health Association (WHO) emphasizes the importance of a multi-pronged approach to malaria control, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria Long-term solutions require sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure,improved living conditions,and ongoing disease surveillance.
Key takeaways:
Congolese refugees in Burundi’s Musenyi site are facing a severe malaria crisis due to poor living conditions and limited healthcare access.
MSF implemented emergency medical support and preventative measures, including insecticide spraying and mosquito repellent systems.
The health facility in Musenyi remains overwhelmed, and long-term improvements to healthcare infrastructure and living conditions are urgently needed.
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