BUJUMBURA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Burundian Minister of Public Health Lydwine Baradahana on Thursday announced a resurgence of cholera, with 18 new cases recorded on Wednesday alone, despite recent progress in combating the disease.
Speaking at a press briefing in the commercial capital Bujumbura on the country's cholera situation, which also included the handover of medical supplies donated by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Baradahana described the situation as "worrying."
"Today, two cholera treatment centers host 34 patients. Just yesterday (Wednesday), we had 18 patients admitted to the Prince Regent Charles Hospital (which has a cholera treatment center)," she said, adding that "this is the first time since the beginning of this year (2026) that we've had a situation like this."
She attributed the resurgence partly to poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitation measures in some communities. The minister also highlighted the financial burden of the outbreak, saying government spending on cholera response reached three billion Burundian francs (nearly 1 million U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2026.
France Begin, UNICEF resident representative in Burundi, acknowledged the progress made in tackling epidemics in the East African country.
"For example, regarding cholera, more than 3,500 cases were recorded in 2025, but today there are only 35 active cases. For mpox, after more than 4,664 cases recorded since July 2024, the number has now dropped to just 64 cases reported in four health districts in January and March 2026," said Begin.
According to her, the progress demonstrates how strong commitment and effective multi-sectoral coordination can help reverse epidemic trends.
A joint ministerial order introducing fines for violations of public hygiene and sanitation regulations was issued on Feb. 18, 2026, with enforcement set to begin on April 6, Baradahana said.
As part of ongoing efforts to combat cholera and other epidemics, UNICEF has donated medical equipment and supplies to the Ministry of Public Health, including 13 water storage tanks and two vehicles, one of which will serve as an ambulance in the Mutimbuzi health district.
