Overview
Concern's work in Burundi
Food security - Long term goals
The World Food Program estimates that thirteen percent of the population is vulnerable to food insecurity as a result of decreased production and rising food prices, while 70% of the population is considered undernourished.
Concern has shifted its focus from emergency-based support to long-term sustainable assistance. Between 2005 and 2006 about 155 Community Farming Groups formed and were supported and taught how to stand alone, and how to make their enterprises economically viable.
Health
Burundi records two million new cases of malaria per year, making it the country's leading killer.
Concern has several pilot projects in the Cibitoke area with a strong local community focus. Project objectives include dealing with: Malaria, child and maternal health, nutrition, hygiene, and integrating HIV&AIDS across all programs.
Close to 100,000 women and children under the age of five benefit from these new health services. Lessons learned from these programs will be replicated in other province communes. The “social marketing” of mosquito nets have also proved effective.
A pilot programme, targeting mothers in management of family nutrition shower significant improvement in the health of infants.
To combat the HIV&AIDs epidemic, it’s critical that work must go beyond the health system.
Mainstreaming Concern's HIV&AIDS work means establishing policies and procedures that encompass HIV&AIDS awareness and prevention, as well as care for those with disease, making it central to all of Concern activities.
It’s estimated that nine per cent of the population of seven million is infected with HIV&AIDS.
Education strategies
Concern, in cooperation with the Department of Education, promotes ‘catch-up’ classes for young people who have dropped out of school.
Concern is actively involved in improving teaching methods, while Concern works closely with parent/teacher associations and school management committees.
