By RFIPalled on 07-08-2019Modified on 07-08-2019 at 09:19

Burundi is facing a flare-up of malaria. According to figures from OCHA, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, released this week, 5.7 million Burundians are now affected by the disease. This represents twice as many cases as last year at the same time. This is not the first time that Burundi is facing this situation. Already in 2017, the government had to declare an epidemic. Several causes explain this recrudescence of the disease.

First, there are environmental factors. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, global warming is partly responsible for this resurgence of malaria . More than 80% of Burundi's territory is mountainous. Until then, mosquitoes did not venture high but global warming and their evolution now allow them to survive at a certain altitude.

On the other hand, the Burundian government began in the 2000s a policy of " modernization of agriculture ", focusing much on rice. This cereal grows in swamps that are real mosquito nests.

Then there are the economic factors. WHO points to Burundi's lack of human, logistical and financial resources to cope with the epidemic. Mosquito nets should be distributed, spraying campaigns should be launched to kill insects, or free drugs should be provided.

" Malaria is the disease of the poor, explains Albert Mbonerane, president of the Action against malaria in Burundi. If she is treated, she heals quickly, but otherwise she kills as quickly, "he concludes.

50% of the infected population is a very rare rate. Burundi is really a special case. This is due to the heavy rains in the country at the end of last year and beginning of this year. This has multiplied the number of female mosquitoes that spread malaria. There are also other factors such as the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas which has led to overpopulation of cities. Lack of sanitation and hygiene is ideal for mosquitoes. In addition, agricultural practices have changed a lot in Burundi recently with more irrigated land.

Dr. Onkar Bhogal, Specialist for Tropical and Infectious Diseases in Nairobi

07-08-2019 - By Charlotte Simonart

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