Improving maternal health care access in rural Burundi
Improving maternal and neonatal health care is a priority for Burundi, as stipulated in the National Health Policy 2016-2025. While advances have been made in access to primary healthcare, obstacles such as long distances or lack of access to specialised equipment still persist especially in rural areas.
This project, led by the Microprojects Foundation and implemented with local partner IBAZA-Imfura, addresses this gap by introducing portable ultrasound machines in three public rural hospitals (Bururi, Condi and Nyagihotora). Taking a holistic approach, it also includes the training of doctors and midwives and a wide-reaching community awareness campaign to improve early diagnosis and timely access to care, especially among vulnerable women and girls.
Around 250 pregnant women per week are expected to benefit from improved diagnostics, while awareness campaigns targeting 900 young women aim to build trust in healthcare services and encourage behavioural change. IBAZA-Imfura‘s participation ensures long-term training capacity through a dedicated ultrasound device, helping embed these improvements into local health systems beyond the project’s lifespan.
Budget:
€36,000
In partnership with
Three rural hospitals will be equipped with portable ultrasound machines. In addition, a fourth device dedicated to training purposes will also be supplied. The provision of this machines, including mobile carts and voltage stabilisers to ensure safe and flexible use in areas with unstable electricity, will be accompanied by a field mission involving a diaspora doctor and the project manager to oversee installation and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders.
Three doctors will receive intensive, personalised ultrasound training at the Kamenge University Hospital Centre (CHUK), combining theoretical classes with practical sessions on real cases and covering key ultrasound applications and equipment maintenance. Designed by IBAZA with local trainers, the programme is adaptable and will be reviewed during the diaspora visit to ensure it remains relevant, including for future midwife training.
Six midwives will receive obstetric ultrasound training at Bururi Regional Hospital, combining theory and practical sessions on equipment use, obstetric issues, and image interpretation. Recently trained doctors from the activity 2.1 will act as trainers, ensuring local ownership and continuity of skills.
To improve access to prenatal care in Bururi province, trained midwives, supported by members of the Burundian diaspora and local networks, will lead information sessions in safe spaces such as clinics, schools, homes, and online platforms. The campaign will focus on topics like the use of ultrasound machines, maternal health rights and barriers to care.