ReliefWeb

Key figures

• 301,994 Refugees seeking asylum in neighboring countries (UNHCR, 27 September 2016)

• 5,431,828 Reported malaria cases (MOH, 22 September 2016)

• 285 Reported cases of cholera (MOH, 27 September 2016)

• 38% unfunded UNICEF Burundi 2016 Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal: US$16.54m

Highlights

• The number of refugees seeking asylum in neighboring countries has almost doubled in September compared to previous months, driving the total number of Burundi refugees to 301,994, the majority of whom continue to be children (54.6%).

• Results from the first round of mass screening in six food insecure provinces revealed a global acute malnutrition (GAM) rate of children under 5 of 2.2% in the urban area of Bujumbura and 7.2% in northern Kirundo province.

• Over the past month, nearly 3,000 children benefited from recreational activities and psychosocial support in the 45 Child-Friendly Spaces operating in Bujumbura and Rumonge.

Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs

The sociopolitical situation in Burundi remains tense and continues to spur on migration and humanitarian needs. In September, 15,958 people found refuge in neighboring countries (Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia), driving the total number of refugees to 301,994, the majority of whom continue to be children (54.6 per cent). The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) registered in seven provinces remains at 61,168 (IOM, July 2016), of which 59 per cent are children.

There have been a total of 285 reported cholera cases with one death in 2016. Cases are concentrated in six health districts: Kabezi, Bujumbura Mairie Nord, Bujumbura Mairie Sud, Bubanza, Mpanda and Nyanza Lac. A decrease in the number of cases admitted in September (70) compared to August (178) may indicate that the epidemic peak has been reached. The Ministry of Health (MoH) continues to lead the response in close collaboration with WHO, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium and Switzerland, UNICEF and the Burundi Red Cross (BRC) for the Health, WASH and C4D interventions. Regular meetings continue to take place at the MoH to monitor the situation, progress, challenges and to strengthen coordination.

The past 3 months have seen a slower increase in malaria cases. However the cumulative number of reported malaria cases is almost double compared to previous years at the same period, with a cumulative total in 2016 of 5,431,828 cases of malaria, and 2,660 deaths (MoH, 22 September 2016), compared to 3,117,145 cases and 1,426 deaths same period in 2015.

Despite advocacy by UNICEF, OHCHR, FENADEB and partners, the arbitrary arrest and detention of children living or working in the streets continue. This month, 44 cases (37 boys, 7 girls) were documented, which though fewer than last month (95 cases documented), remains alarming. UNICEF partner Fondation Stamm provided temporary care for 5 children (4 boys, 1 girl), and FVS-Amade provided care for 4 boys. The NGO Solidarity of Christian Youth for Peace and Childhood (Sojpae) supported the reinsertion of 6 children (5 girls, 1 boy). All partners are also providing ongoing reintegration support to affected children.