Medical staff in Burundi
Photo credit: Rotary Global Grant Ni Abacu
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Medical development - but sustainable, please

Burundi, Ni Abacu, development aid, medical care

Burundi, a small country in East Africa, faces considerable challenges in terms of healthcare. With a GDP per capita of just USD 3.9 million and a ratio of one doctor per 20,000 inhabitants (compared to the WHO standard of 1 per 10,000), the country lacks both the necessary infrastructure and awareness of preventative measures among the population.

Dr Eva Czermak and assistant
Photo credit: Rotary Global Grant Ni Abacu

This is precisely where the Rotary project "Ni Abacu" comes in, initiated by Dr Eva Czermak, a Peace Fellow and experienced doctor.

Aim of the project

"Ni Abacu" aims to improve medical care in two districts of Karusi province. It focuses on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cervical cancer. In the long term, the aim is to increase the expertise of local medical staff and facilitate access to healthcare services for around 600,000 inhabitants.

Initial successes

In the first phase (District Grant 2021/22), important foundations were laid with a budget of USD 15,000. Training and awareness-raising campaigns led to more than 1,700 screenings. The results are alarming: of those tested, 52 suffered from diabetes, 143 from high blood pressure and 38 women were found to have suspicious cancerous changes that required further treatment.

Outlook: Global grant

The second phase of the project will start in July 2024 with the support of the Rotary Club Linz-Donau and the local partner RC Gitega-Rukinzo. The plan is to expand the measures and involve the local population more intensively. In addition to training for 61 medical professionals, modern equipment will be provided to optimise diagnostics and treatment.

Challenges and commitment

The project organisation requires close coordination with local authorities and partner organisations. Language barriers and laborious referrals abroad complicate the process, but the enthusiasm of those involved, led by Dr Czermak, remains undiminished.

#schongenial the Rotary project "Ni Abacu", which impressively demonstrates how targeted measures can bring about lasting change. It is a role model for international cooperation and committed development aid that starts directly with the people.

Medical care for patients
Natives distributing water
Photo credits: Rotary Global Grant Ni Abacu
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