11%
Of HIV-positive pregnant women receive treatment
HIV/AIDS
Like in many other countries in Africa, the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to be a major challenge. Despite recent progress, only about 57% of all affected women receive HIV treatment.
When it comes to preventing transmission from mother to child, the figure is even lower: only 11% of HIV-positive pregnant women receive medical treatment.
There are also major deficits in education on how to prevent HIV infection. Many religious leaders in Burundi reject the use of contraceptives, which makes it much more difficult to combat transmission.
8 in 10
People in Burundi are poor
Widespread poverty
According to the United Nations Human Development Index, Burundi is one of the three least-developed countries in the world – 8 out of 10 Burundians live below the poverty line.
Although urban areas like Bujumbura tend to be better off than many of the rural regions, a lot of people, including children and young people, still live in poverty. Thousands of children live on the streets with no one looking after them and without protection.
Your support makes a difference for children in Bujumbura
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
105,760
Medical treatments
Were possible
220
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Children chatting with their older brother. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Burundi).
How your support helps in Bujumbura
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.