Migration Health

Preparing for and responding to internal or cross-border health risks

IOM Burundi, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Burundi and other partners, pursues a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing public health threats throughout the entire mobility continuum. This includes preparedness, detection, and response to public health challenges at various stages, from points of origin and transit to destination and return. As part of this approach, special emphasis is placed on cross-border and community event-based surveillance, capacity building of governmental partners, risk communication and community engagement particularly at borders and surrounding communities, as well as cross-border coordination. In addition, there is the provision of psychological first aid activities and mental health care. Our work is grounded in the Health, Border and Mobility Management (HBMM) framework, as well as the Manual on Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies and Displacement. Through these frameworks and partnerships, we strive to ensure the holistic well-being of mobile populations, namely migrants, considering their physical health concerns alongside mental health and psychosocial needs. In 2023, IOM Burundi has signed a cooperation agreement with GAVI to strengthen vaccination efforts for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. The focus is on expanding COVID-19 and routine vaccinations, particularly targeting hard-to-reach populations. This includes training of healthcare providers and borders officials, establishing vaccination sites at borders, conducting mass awareness campaigns, and implementing advanced strategies to ensure equitable access to vaccines, aiming to enhance cross-border disease surveillance and protect vulnerable populations from vaccine-preventable diseases.