Burundi celebrates World NTD Day with a win against Trachoma

Burundi is the first country in East Africa to achieve WHO validation for trachoma elimination. The milestone signals that elimination is possible when national ownership, consistent implementation, and strong partnerships align. It also sets the next priority: Protect the gains.

First Lady of the Republic of Burundi Angeline Ndayishimiye with CBM and UNICEF teams.

In January, CBM joined the Government of Burundi and partners in Bujumbura to mark a major public health milestone. The World Health Organisation (WHO) formally validated Burundi as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. During the ceremony, Burundi received the formal WHO validation letter. CBM also recognised the Ministry of Public Health and the national NTD programme for years of leadership and partnership.

Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, Chief Executive Officer of CBM, congratulated the Government of Burundi, the Presidency, and the Ministry of Public Health on the successful validation by the WHO of the elimination of trachoma.

“This is a significant national achievement, and one that reflects sustained leadership, technical rigour, and long-term commitment at all levels of the health system.”

Burundi is the first country in East Africa to achieve WHO validation for trachoma elimination. The milestone signals that elimination is possible when national ownership, consistent implementation, and strong partnerships align. It also sets the next priority: Protect the gains.

CBM was also represented by Mr Peter Lauffs, Chief Operating Officer, and Dr Babar Qureshi, Director, Inclusive Health Initiative.

World NTD day

The milestone was marked alongside World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2026. The gathering brought together First Lady of the Republic of Burundi Angeline Ndayishimiye, the Ministry of Public Health, led by Minister Dr Lydwine Baradahana, the national programme for the control of NTDs and blindness, community members, UNICEF, WHO, The END Fund, and other stakeholders. Discussions linked trachoma elimination to wider efforts on neglected tropical diseases and eye health.

Brockhaus linked the milestone to World NTD Day’s 2026 theme. “World NTD Day 2026 stands under the motto ‘Unite, Act, Eliminate’,” he said. “Individuals and organisations as well as the government have come to together in unity, we acted together and we eliminated together.”

He added that the work reflects Burundi’s national motto. “This totally reflects the motto of Burundi of ‘Unite, Work, Progress’,” he said. “It is very rare that the motto of any country becomes such a concrete reality with tangible results for your people.”

Sustaining elimination

Health officials and partners from the Ministry of Public Health, the National Programme for the Control of NTDs and Blindness, UNICEF, and The END Fund agreed that maintaining elimination status requires sustained investment.

First Lady of the Republic of Burundi Angeline Ndayishimiye emphasised that sustaining elimination is now a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, strong systems, and continued partnership.

CBM has worked with the Ministry of Health in Burundi for many years, supporting national priorities across neglected tropical diseases, eye health, and disability inclusion. The END Fund's sustained financial partnership was critical in enabling continuity, technical support, and ultimately, WHO validation.

Carol Karutu, Vice President, Programmes at The END Fund, highlighted the need for continued financing to sustain Burundi’s gains and accelerate progress against other NTDs.

Community testimonies brought the milestone into focus. A community member from Karusi province described his treatment and recovery from trachoma. His account highlighted what elimination means for families. Relief from pain. Restored sight. Greater independence.

Beyond trachoma: sustaining progress together

As the first country in East Africa to achieve this milestone, Burundi’s validation underlines what government leadership, long-term technical partnership, and sustained investment can deliver.

The focus now shifts to sustaining trachoma elimination while advancing the elimination of other NTDs, including onchocerciasis, and strengthening systems that protect communities for the long term.

CBM has supported national health priorities in Burundi for over two decades. The work spans NTDs, eye health, and disability inclusion, with a focus on strengthening systems and reaching underserved communities.

CBM remains committed to supporting national partners in Burundi and other countries toward the goal of eliminating trachoma by 2030. Priorities include strong surveillance, rapid response capacity, and integration of services within inclusive health systems. CBM will also continue supporting progress against other NTDs, including onchocerciasis, so communities remain protected and no one is left behind.

Please return to the World NTD Day page here.