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Burundi

Articles by Burundi

IPPF_Georgina Goodwin_Burundi_IPPF
04 February 2021

IPPFAR Statement on World Cancer Day 2021

Every year on 4 February, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the World Cancer Day. This is a day set aside to draw attention to the cancer disease and encourage action towards a future free of cancer. This year’s theme is ‘I Am and I Will’, which encourages personal initiative to take the necessary action to combat cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 70% of deaths from the disease occurring in low-and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. As a fast-rising major public health concern in many developing countries, cancer leaves behind devastating effects on families, communities and economies. Yet, if detected and treated early, many cancer deaths can be averted. Early diagnosis however remains a great challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to lack of awareness about cancer risk factors, many health systems across the continent are not fully capable of meeting the demands of early diagnosis, testing, treatment and management. At IPPF Africa Region, we complement government efforts in addressing the health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Through our Member Associations (MAs) in 39 countries, we work with different partners: both in the public and private sectors in providing sexual and reproductive health services. One of our focus areas is reproductive health cancers, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Through our static clinics, mobile clinics and other outreach strategies, our MAs continually create awareness about cancer, by providing information on prevention, risk factors and where they can access related services. Our MAs also offer cancer-related services including visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer screening, HPV testing, mammogram screening for breast cancer, and referrals for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and further management. Between 2017 – 2019, IPPF Africa Region saw an estimated 4,278,029 women tested for cervical cancer. A further estimated 2,398,576 people were tested for breast cancer. Through our clinics, an estimated 97,496 people underwent surgical treatment in the same period. Our contribution to such cancer data is important for the development of cancer control programmes and creation of cancer policies. We are also involved in cancer surveillance and research activities that inform the development of reproductive cancer drugs and vaccines. Our advocacy efforts include calling on African leaders to prioritize the health agenda in their countries and follow up on their commitment to various health instruments such as the Abuja Declaration. The Abuja declaration requires African countries to commit at least 15% of their annual budgets to improving the health sector.   The health of any country begins with an individual so on this day, we urge all of us to make a personal commitment to take various actions that will reduce the cancer burden in our countries. It is our responsibility to ensure that we go for regular screening and testing, avoid risk factors that predispose one to cancer, advocate for cancer prevention, treatment and management, including speaking out in support of research, as well as advocate for the implementation of international commitments to health care in our countries. What we do today matters towards the realization of a cancer-free future.

IPPF_Isabel Corthier
31 January 2022

Humanitarian Capacity Development Center

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of 6 MAs in and SARO to deliver high-quality SRH services in crises. Budget:  770,000 USD Donor: IPPF Solutions 2 Timeline: 2 Years ( March 2020–Dec 2022 ) Project implementation areas: Burkina Faso, Burundi, CAR, Maldives, Sudan, and Yemen Partners: UNFPA and national humanitarian actors Other interesting information: The project is designed to be led by MAs, as part of the Member Association-centric approach, with support from the regional offices and the Global Humanitarian Team. Innovative approaches: Operational research will be useful for measuring interventions’ impact and will highlight key challenges, suggest areas of improvement and good practices. Inclusion of LGBTQUIA and organisation's of persons with Disabilities in preparedness and planning. Lessons learned: Language barrier is a serious risk to project implementation if not properly addressed at design stage. Translation and interpretation costs should be significantly budgeted for when engaging English and French-speaking MAs as key project implementers.

Family Life Association of Swaziland
12 May 2019

Implementation of The Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial In Eswatini

For over 25 years, the world has lived with uncertainty over whether the use of hormonal contraceptives increases HIV risk. This led to the development of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial, with the aim of helping to clarify this critical public health concern. The ECHO trial is an open-label randomised clinical trial that compares three highly effective, reversible contraceptive methods to determine if there is a link between the use of any of these methods to an increased risk of HIV acquisition. ECHO seeks to determine the possible risks (HIV acquisition) and benefits (pregnancy prevention) of the three commonly used effective contraceptive methods among women who desire contraception. Study Locations The study took place in 12 sites in four countries across Eastern and Southern Africa -Eswatini (Swaziland), Kenya, South Africa and Zambia between December 2015 and October 2018. A total of 7,830 women aged 16-35 years were enrolled in the ECHO trial. They were randomly assigned to the three contraceptive methods. ECHO Trial Concerns Prior to the start of the trial, some concerns were raised about the feasibility of the study. These included: a) The feasibility of enrolling and randomizing 7,800 women to different contraceptive methods  b) Achieving high contraceptive method continuation in the trial Addressing the first concern, the ECHO trial emphasized enrolling only women who were genuinely willing to use any of the three methods. Those who appeared to favor one method over another were counselled and discouraged from enrolling. During screening, women received extensive counseling on all the risks and benefits associated with each study method. After screening, they returned to the study site within 42 days. This period allowed them time to reflect on their participation in the study and their willingness to use any of the three methods. It also helped in necessitating their return to the study site to voluntarily enroll in the study. The study metrics agreed upon prior to the study specified an acceptable enrolment rate and rate of refusal to be randomized. With this regard, plans were put in place to stop the trial if enrolment performance was poor. On 12 September 2017, the ECHO trial closed recruitment, having randomized 7,830 women with low refusal rates at global level. FLAS’s Participation In the Kingdom of Eswatini, IPPF’s Member Association -the Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS) participated in the ECHO trial. In this implementation site, 502 women were randomized - also with low refusal rates. Thus, the ECHO trial was established as one with feasible enrolment rates, with the ability to randomize women to contraceptives and still achieve high retention rates. FLAS implemented this study in partnership with ICAP Eswatini and the Ministry of Health. The ECHO trial results will be released in the coming months. This was a first clinical trial for the country and therefore, there was so much to learn for both the ethics committee, researchers and service providers who participated in the study. There was also plenty for FLAS to learn from and share. UPDATE: ECHO STUDY RESULTS (JUNE 2019) The results of the ECHO study were published on 13 June 2019. The study found no significant difference in risk of HIV infection among women using one of the contraceptive methods. Speaking following the announcement of the study results, Ms. Zelda Nhlabatsi, FLAS Executive Director said: “FLAS is happy to have been part of this study that contributed to clarifying a global concern; the uncertainty of whether hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Even though the ECHO results have indicated that the hormonal contraceptives do not increase the risk of HIV acquisition, the study also revealed a high HIV incidence among the study population, which indicates the need to emphasize dual protection (condoms and family planning) among women who seek contraceptives. The message from this study is clear – condoms remain important when you take contraceptives.”  The participation of FLAS in the ECHO trial was identified as one of the Member Association’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. Featured photo: clinician in a waiting room full with women on the background. Photo credit: IPPF/NancyDurrellMcKenna/Swaziland See other Good Practices from our Member Associations: Partnership with Armed Rebel Groups in the Provision of SRH Services in Crisis Situations: The Central African Republic (CAR) Experience Leading Efforts to End Child Marriage: The Case of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People Awarding the Best Performing Clinics: Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) What’s in a Game? ABUBEF’s use of Playing Cards for Youth SRHR Education For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

ABUBEF_IPPFAR
18 October 2018

What’s in a Game? ABUBEF’s use of Playing Cards for Youth SRHR Education

IPPF’s Member Association (MA) in Burundi - Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ABUBEF) complements the government’s efforts in meeting the health needs of the population. This it does through implementation of various programs and projects whose focus is largely on the provision of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) information and quality services. ABUBEF prioritizes adolescents and youth in its programmes, and has over the years initiated several innovative SRH approaches aimed at empowering adolescents and young people to make healthy and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Through its programs, ABUBEF has made significant progress in promoting positive sexual health behaviour and combating HIV and AIDS among young people through different Information Education and Communication (IEC) material. Playing Cards Through youth centers, ABUBEF raises awareness about sexual health among youth through games. One such game is a deck of ‘Playing Cards’ that contain a variety of powerful, positive messages about sexuality and reproductive health; told in a creative and simple language that is friendly and likeable with the youth. The playing cards, which are a favourite activity for adolescents and youth to play during their free time and over the holidays, contain information on different topics such as abstinence, relationships, faithfulness, family planning, HIV and AIDS prevention, unwanted pregnancy, sexual violence and use of condoms. The messages contained in each card help to provoke discussions among the youth on sensitive topics about reproductive health. As they discuss the challenges, dilemmas and choices about sexuality, the cards promote critical thinking by the young people, encouraging them to explore solutions to the difficult situations they may find themselves in, change their attitudes and develop positive opinions about sexual health. The ‘Playing Cards’ also help in dispelling myths, misconceptions and false information about sex among the youth. They help to promote responsible sexual knowledgeable behaviour among them. During the various interactions organized by ABUBEF with young people, it has been established that these ‘Playing Cards’ are a valued source of information for them. Their knowledge about sex, sexuality and different reproductive health concepts has been significantly increased through these cards.   The ABUBEF ‘Playing Cards’ are distributed in all the attraction spots for young people, such as the ABUBEF youth centers, as well as other partner youth centers. This innovative concept of 'Playing Cards' to reach adolescents and youth in Burundi with information about their reproductive health was identified as one of ABUBEF’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. Also read: Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People Visit ABUBEF's website here. Connect with ABUBEF on Facebook here. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial

Set up in 1991, the Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial's (ABUBEF) original mission was to deliver family planning. Over 20 years later, the organization operates a large number of services across a broad range of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, including prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, youth-friendly counselling and education, pre-marital counselling, and antenatal and post-natal care. 

It accomplished this through 18 service points, including static and mobile clinics, and community-based services. An estimated 80% of its clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. 

Particular beneficiaries of ABUBEF’s services include young people living with HIV and AIDS, internally displaced persons, women of child-bearing age, sex workers, drug users and street children.

ABUBEF delivers its service through a dedicated team which includes 81 staff, nearly 500 volunteers, 75 peer educators and well over 1,000 community-based distributors (CBDs). Their commitment to ABUBEF is crucial to the nation’s current and future sexual and reproductive health.
 
ABUBEF’s partners include donors such as UNFPA, FHI, CARE and CNLS, and it works together with organizations including Réseau National des Jeunes Engagés pour la Lutte Contre le Sida (RENAJES) and the Association pour la Promotion de la Fille Burundaise (APFB).


Website: http://www.abubef.org/

IPPF_Georgina Goodwin_Burundi_IPPF
04 February 2021

IPPFAR Statement on World Cancer Day 2021

Every year on 4 February, IPPF Africa Region joins the world in marking the World Cancer Day. This is a day set aside to draw attention to the cancer disease and encourage action towards a future free of cancer. This year’s theme is ‘I Am and I Will’, which encourages personal initiative to take the necessary action to combat cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 70% of deaths from the disease occurring in low-and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. As a fast-rising major public health concern in many developing countries, cancer leaves behind devastating effects on families, communities and economies. Yet, if detected and treated early, many cancer deaths can be averted. Early diagnosis however remains a great challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to lack of awareness about cancer risk factors, many health systems across the continent are not fully capable of meeting the demands of early diagnosis, testing, treatment and management. At IPPF Africa Region, we complement government efforts in addressing the health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Through our Member Associations (MAs) in 39 countries, we work with different partners: both in the public and private sectors in providing sexual and reproductive health services. One of our focus areas is reproductive health cancers, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. Through our static clinics, mobile clinics and other outreach strategies, our MAs continually create awareness about cancer, by providing information on prevention, risk factors and where they can access related services. Our MAs also offer cancer-related services including visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer screening, HPV testing, mammogram screening for breast cancer, and referrals for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and further management. Between 2017 – 2019, IPPF Africa Region saw an estimated 4,278,029 women tested for cervical cancer. A further estimated 2,398,576 people were tested for breast cancer. Through our clinics, an estimated 97,496 people underwent surgical treatment in the same period. Our contribution to such cancer data is important for the development of cancer control programmes and creation of cancer policies. We are also involved in cancer surveillance and research activities that inform the development of reproductive cancer drugs and vaccines. Our advocacy efforts include calling on African leaders to prioritize the health agenda in their countries and follow up on their commitment to various health instruments such as the Abuja Declaration. The Abuja declaration requires African countries to commit at least 15% of their annual budgets to improving the health sector.   The health of any country begins with an individual so on this day, we urge all of us to make a personal commitment to take various actions that will reduce the cancer burden in our countries. It is our responsibility to ensure that we go for regular screening and testing, avoid risk factors that predispose one to cancer, advocate for cancer prevention, treatment and management, including speaking out in support of research, as well as advocate for the implementation of international commitments to health care in our countries. What we do today matters towards the realization of a cancer-free future.

IPPF_Isabel Corthier
31 January 2022

Humanitarian Capacity Development Center

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of 6 MAs in and SARO to deliver high-quality SRH services in crises. Budget:  770,000 USD Donor: IPPF Solutions 2 Timeline: 2 Years ( March 2020–Dec 2022 ) Project implementation areas: Burkina Faso, Burundi, CAR, Maldives, Sudan, and Yemen Partners: UNFPA and national humanitarian actors Other interesting information: The project is designed to be led by MAs, as part of the Member Association-centric approach, with support from the regional offices and the Global Humanitarian Team. Innovative approaches: Operational research will be useful for measuring interventions’ impact and will highlight key challenges, suggest areas of improvement and good practices. Inclusion of LGBTQUIA and organisation's of persons with Disabilities in preparedness and planning. Lessons learned: Language barrier is a serious risk to project implementation if not properly addressed at design stage. Translation and interpretation costs should be significantly budgeted for when engaging English and French-speaking MAs as key project implementers.

Family Life Association of Swaziland
12 May 2019

Implementation of The Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial In Eswatini

For over 25 years, the world has lived with uncertainty over whether the use of hormonal contraceptives increases HIV risk. This led to the development of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial, with the aim of helping to clarify this critical public health concern. The ECHO trial is an open-label randomised clinical trial that compares three highly effective, reversible contraceptive methods to determine if there is a link between the use of any of these methods to an increased risk of HIV acquisition. ECHO seeks to determine the possible risks (HIV acquisition) and benefits (pregnancy prevention) of the three commonly used effective contraceptive methods among women who desire contraception. Study Locations The study took place in 12 sites in four countries across Eastern and Southern Africa -Eswatini (Swaziland), Kenya, South Africa and Zambia between December 2015 and October 2018. A total of 7,830 women aged 16-35 years were enrolled in the ECHO trial. They were randomly assigned to the three contraceptive methods. ECHO Trial Concerns Prior to the start of the trial, some concerns were raised about the feasibility of the study. These included: a) The feasibility of enrolling and randomizing 7,800 women to different contraceptive methods  b) Achieving high contraceptive method continuation in the trial Addressing the first concern, the ECHO trial emphasized enrolling only women who were genuinely willing to use any of the three methods. Those who appeared to favor one method over another were counselled and discouraged from enrolling. During screening, women received extensive counseling on all the risks and benefits associated with each study method. After screening, they returned to the study site within 42 days. This period allowed them time to reflect on their participation in the study and their willingness to use any of the three methods. It also helped in necessitating their return to the study site to voluntarily enroll in the study. The study metrics agreed upon prior to the study specified an acceptable enrolment rate and rate of refusal to be randomized. With this regard, plans were put in place to stop the trial if enrolment performance was poor. On 12 September 2017, the ECHO trial closed recruitment, having randomized 7,830 women with low refusal rates at global level. FLAS’s Participation In the Kingdom of Eswatini, IPPF’s Member Association -the Family Life Association of Swaziland (FLAS) participated in the ECHO trial. In this implementation site, 502 women were randomized - also with low refusal rates. Thus, the ECHO trial was established as one with feasible enrolment rates, with the ability to randomize women to contraceptives and still achieve high retention rates. FLAS implemented this study in partnership with ICAP Eswatini and the Ministry of Health. The ECHO trial results will be released in the coming months. This was a first clinical trial for the country and therefore, there was so much to learn for both the ethics committee, researchers and service providers who participated in the study. There was also plenty for FLAS to learn from and share. UPDATE: ECHO STUDY RESULTS (JUNE 2019) The results of the ECHO study were published on 13 June 2019. The study found no significant difference in risk of HIV infection among women using one of the contraceptive methods. Speaking following the announcement of the study results, Ms. Zelda Nhlabatsi, FLAS Executive Director said: “FLAS is happy to have been part of this study that contributed to clarifying a global concern; the uncertainty of whether hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Even though the ECHO results have indicated that the hormonal contraceptives do not increase the risk of HIV acquisition, the study also revealed a high HIV incidence among the study population, which indicates the need to emphasize dual protection (condoms and family planning) among women who seek contraceptives. The message from this study is clear – condoms remain important when you take contraceptives.”  The participation of FLAS in the ECHO trial was identified as one of the Member Association’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. Featured photo: clinician in a waiting room full with women on the background. Photo credit: IPPF/NancyDurrellMcKenna/Swaziland See other Good Practices from our Member Associations: Partnership with Armed Rebel Groups in the Provision of SRH Services in Crisis Situations: The Central African Republic (CAR) Experience Leading Efforts to End Child Marriage: The Case of Senior Chief Theresa Kachindamoto of Malawi Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People Awarding the Best Performing Clinics: Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) What’s in a Game? ABUBEF’s use of Playing Cards for Youth SRHR Education For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

ABUBEF_IPPFAR
18 October 2018

What’s in a Game? ABUBEF’s use of Playing Cards for Youth SRHR Education

IPPF’s Member Association (MA) in Burundi - Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ABUBEF) complements the government’s efforts in meeting the health needs of the population. This it does through implementation of various programs and projects whose focus is largely on the provision of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) information and quality services. ABUBEF prioritizes adolescents and youth in its programmes, and has over the years initiated several innovative SRH approaches aimed at empowering adolescents and young people to make healthy and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Through its programs, ABUBEF has made significant progress in promoting positive sexual health behaviour and combating HIV and AIDS among young people through different Information Education and Communication (IEC) material. Playing Cards Through youth centers, ABUBEF raises awareness about sexual health among youth through games. One such game is a deck of ‘Playing Cards’ that contain a variety of powerful, positive messages about sexuality and reproductive health; told in a creative and simple language that is friendly and likeable with the youth. The playing cards, which are a favourite activity for adolescents and youth to play during their free time and over the holidays, contain information on different topics such as abstinence, relationships, faithfulness, family planning, HIV and AIDS prevention, unwanted pregnancy, sexual violence and use of condoms. The messages contained in each card help to provoke discussions among the youth on sensitive topics about reproductive health. As they discuss the challenges, dilemmas and choices about sexuality, the cards promote critical thinking by the young people, encouraging them to explore solutions to the difficult situations they may find themselves in, change their attitudes and develop positive opinions about sexual health. The ‘Playing Cards’ also help in dispelling myths, misconceptions and false information about sex among the youth. They help to promote responsible sexual knowledgeable behaviour among them. During the various interactions organized by ABUBEF with young people, it has been established that these ‘Playing Cards’ are a valued source of information for them. Their knowledge about sex, sexuality and different reproductive health concepts has been significantly increased through these cards.   The ABUBEF ‘Playing Cards’ are distributed in all the attraction spots for young people, such as the ABUBEF youth centers, as well as other partner youth centers. This innovative concept of 'Playing Cards' to reach adolescents and youth in Burundi with information about their reproductive health was identified as one of ABUBEF’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. Also read: Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People Visit ABUBEF's website here. Connect with ABUBEF on Facebook here. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial

Set up in 1991, the Association Burundaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial's (ABUBEF) original mission was to deliver family planning. Over 20 years later, the organization operates a large number of services across a broad range of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, including prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, youth-friendly counselling and education, pre-marital counselling, and antenatal and post-natal care. 

It accomplished this through 18 service points, including static and mobile clinics, and community-based services. An estimated 80% of its clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. 

Particular beneficiaries of ABUBEF’s services include young people living with HIV and AIDS, internally displaced persons, women of child-bearing age, sex workers, drug users and street children.

ABUBEF delivers its service through a dedicated team which includes 81 staff, nearly 500 volunteers, 75 peer educators and well over 1,000 community-based distributors (CBDs). Their commitment to ABUBEF is crucial to the nation’s current and future sexual and reproductive health.
 
ABUBEF’s partners include donors such as UNFPA, FHI, CARE and CNLS, and it works together with organizations including Réseau National des Jeunes Engagés pour la Lutte Contre le Sida (RENAJES) and the Association pour la Promotion de la Fille Burundaise (APFB).


Website: http://www.abubef.org/