U.S. and Burundi seal $156 million health pact to strengthen dystems and fight HIV, Malaria

Under the MOU, the U.S. will provide more than $129 million in assistance over the next five years. Funding will focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, malaria control, and strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to infectious diseases. Key support includes frontline health workers, laboratory equipment, and improved data systems to detect and monitor potential outbreaks.

The Government of Burundi has committed to increasing its domestic health spending by $26 million during the same period, demonstrating its dedication to building a self-reliant and resilient health system.

The pact also includes provisions for close information sharing and consultation between Burundi and the United States in the event of outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential. These measures are intended to protect public health in Burundi, across Africa, and globally.

This five-year MOU signed on February, 6, 2026 is the latest in a series of U.S. multi-year health cooperation agreements with African countries. Officials say such partnerships aim to strengthen sustainable health systems, reduce vulnerability to epidemics, and promote global health security.