FHI 360’s presence in Burundi dates to the early 1990s, when we worked with national and local partners to prevent and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS. Today, FHI 360 continues to address HIV and other development challenges through the Roads to a Healthy Future (ROADS II) project, which serves approximately 30 percent of Burundi’s population. ROADS II in Burundi strengthens the capacity of provincial and district health offices, hospitals, health centers and community-based organizations to increase access to HIV and other health services, including family planning services, for mobile populations and local residents. ROADS II in Burundi also addresses gender-based violence, which often fuels the spread of HIV by limiting the ability to negotiate safe sexual practices, disclose HIV status and access services.
FHI 360 has also addressed the barriers that prevent access to education for girls and boys. Our Ambassadors’ Girls’ Scholarship Program increased educational opportunities in Burundi by awarding 1,312 scholarships to students in 56 schools.