The outbreak of mpox in Burundi has taken a toll on families, with Egide Irambona sharing his heartbreaking story of contracting the virus from a friend and passing it on to his wife. The couple is now receiving treatment at the King Khaled University Hospital in Bujumbura, where the number of cases is on the rise.
Dr. Odette Nsavyimana, who is in charge at the hospital, expressed her concerns about the increasing number of patients and the limited resources available to handle the surge. With only one laboratory in the country for testing and a shortage of testing kits and vaccines, the situation is becoming more challenging.
Despite efforts to isolate infected patients and set up tents for additional capacity, the lack of public awareness about mpox in Burundi remains a significant issue. Many people in Bujumbura are unaware of the severity of the outbreak and continue to engage in close contact and crowded spaces, increasing the risk of transmission.
Health officials are working tirelessly to treat patients, trace contacts, and contain the spread of the virus. However, with limited resources and a skeptical population, the battle against mpox in Burundi remains an uphill struggle.
As the global health emergency continues to unfold, the need for increased awareness, resources, and support in Burundi is more critical than ever.
