September 22, 2016
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the successful completion of two five-year projects aimed at enhancing the supply of essential medicines for malaria and HIV/AIDS in Burundi.
During the Project Closeout event which took place in Bujumbura, USAID Country Representative Victoria Gellis praised the efforts of all partners in strengthening the health system and reiterated the commitment of the United States Government to support Burundi to meet the health needs of the people.
Through the two projects, Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) and Supply Chain Management System (SCMS), the United States Government collaborated with the Government of Burundi, Management Sciences for Health and other partners to procure and distribute essential medicines and supplies for HIV/AIDS and malaria, including nine million ACT drugs for malaria, 7 million rapid diagnostic test kits for malaria and HIV, and diagnostic supplies for laboratories.
Implemented by Management Sciences for Health, the SIAPS and SCMS Projects also supported the development and roll-out of a logistics management system that provides timely information about the inventory and consumption of commodities at districts and health facilities. The Projects also supported the upgrade of the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse (CAMEBU) to prevent the unnecessary expiration of essential drugs and commodities by improving the storage and management practices of the warehouse.
The U.S. Government, through USAID, provided more than $18 million U.S. dollars over five years for the procurement and distribution of health commodities in Burundi through the SCMS and SIAPS Projects. The United States Government provides more than $40 million U.S. dollars annually to support HIV/AIDS, malaria, nutrition, and family planning programs in Burundi.