Residents in northern Bujumbura are calling for further measures to combat the spread of Mpox after the closure of about twenty establishments, including guesthouses, churches, and bars, due to hygiene violations. The region had over 390 confirmed cases of Mpox until October, prompting local officials to take action.
In Kamenge, one of the affected neighborhoods, residents expressed concerns about the difficulty of combating the virus due to water shortages. “Sometimes we can go a week without drinking water,” said a resident from 5th Avenue in Kamenge. “We’re at great risk of contracting the disease.”
Another Kamenge resident from Gikizi highlighted the financial burden of purchasing water. “How can we wash our hands regularly when a 20L container of water costs over 500 BIF?” she asked. The high price of water makes it difficult for residents to maintain proper hygiene, which is crucial for preventing Mpox.
Local authorities have urged Bujumbura residents to adhere strictly to preventive measures, such as hand washing and avoiding physical contact. “We urge all residents of Bujumbura to follow barrier measures, especially washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact,” said Jimmy Hatungimana, a municipal official, during the Taxpayer Day celebration earlier in December.
While the latest official statistics on Mpox are yet to be released, figures from the Ministry of Public Health indicate that 359 out of 853 positive cases between July and October 2024 were from northern Bujumbura, representing 40% of the national total.
In response to growing concerns, the Ntahangwa administrative authorities earlier this week closed several establishments, including guesthouses and bars, for failing to meet hygiene standards. However, many areas in the economic capital Bujumbura continue to face critical water shortages, complicating efforts to curb the disease’s spread.
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