** Humanitarian stay in Burundi: a mission of supporting Congolese refugees **
From April 8 to 12, 2023, a delegation of national deputies doctors of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) went to Burundi to offer free medical consultations to Congolese refugees. This initiative, promoted by the president of the National Assembly during a plenary on April 4, aims to meet urgent health needs in a context of an exacerbated humanitarian crisis.
Led by Professor Léon Kabamba, the mission brings together five doctors deputies and two other elected officials from constituencies close to the refugee camps. The context of this operation is worrying: more than 170,000 Congolese refugees established themselves in the country, fleeing persistent violence in the east of the DRC, particularly exacerbated by the commitment of the Congolese armed forces in fights against the rebels of the M23, supposedly supported by the Rwandan army.
** An alarming health situation **
On the ground, elected officials were faced with difficult living conditions. The testimonies of malnutrition, of diseases such as malaria, measles and cholera, are indicative of the crucial health issues encountered by these vulnerable populations. During a meeting with the Health and Nutrition Manager of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Burundi, a worrying painting was drawn up, highlighting not only physical problems, but also the psychological traumas that these refugees undergo. About 10 % of them report having been victims of sexual violence, and several cases of mental disorders were noted.
The importance of humanitarian efforts, such as vaccination of more than 100 children against malaria and 7,000 against measles, testifies to a tangible desire to provide immediate solutions. However, these punctual measures come up against major challenges, including the insufficiency of health infrastructure. The ratio of a latrine for 1,000 people is obvious with the recommendations, which recommend a latrine for 50 individuals. These conditions raise a crucial question: how can we hope for a restoration of public health in such disadvantaged environments?
** The challenges to be met for humanitarian assistance **
The initiative of doctors, although laudable, must be integrated into a more global humanitarian response. The health care of refugees in Burundi cannot be limited to occasional visits, but must on the contrary be part of a long -term framework which includes improving infrastructure, psychosocial support and protection of refugee rights.
How long can we face these challenges without a sustained commitment to the international community? What place can the Burundian government occupy in planning and implementing sustainable responses to crises in which the country faces? With more than 70,000 newcomers, the need for collaboration between government actors and non -governmental organizations becomes even more pressing.
** Conclusion: a need for consultation and cooperation **
In conclusion, the mission of doctors deputies in Burundi is a great illustration of solidarity in the face of a severe humanitarian crisis. However, to be truly effective, this mission should be accompanied by a broader reflection on the causes of the refugee crisis and the means of remedying it in the long term. Collaboration between governments, international organizations and local communities is essential to build an environment where each refugee can vacuum to a dignified and security life.
The path remains long, but each gesture counts in the fight for the health and well-being of the most vulnerable individuals. How, together, can we transform this emergency into a real opportunity for change? The answer perhaps lies in a collective desire to build sustainable bridges beyond borders.