Schools in Burundi implement preventive measures to curb mpox spread among students

Schools in Burundi are stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of mpox as the new academic year begins, with children aged 5 to 19 accounting for 33 percent of current cases, according to UNICEF.

At “Les petits trésors,” a school in western Burundi, staff are proactively working to safeguard students and staff. “When they line up in front of the flag, they have to keep their distance to avoid touching their friends. And they have to wash their hands,” the school’s director shared.

With a more than 40 percent rise in mpox cases in recent weeks, Burundi has reported hundreds of infections since July. However, the increased awareness and preventative actions in schools signal a positive step toward controlling the outbreak.

Also Read: Efforts to secure birth certificates offer hope to Cameroon’s marginalized Indigenous communities

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi’s neighbor, has also seen a rise in mpox cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that suspected cases in the DRC make up a significant portion of the nearly 30,000 cases recorded across Africa this year.

In August, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency in parts of Africa, though other countries like Sweden and Pakistan have also confirmed cases. However, with schools, parents, and health officials taking swift action, Burundi is leading by example in its efforts to protect its children from further spread of the disease.