In the Kamenge slum of Bujumbura, Burundi, the Ntaseka Clinic serves as a critical lifeline for a community struggling with the compounded effects of poverty, conflict, and systemic neglect. Founded in 2002, the clinic provides free and essential healthcare to over 10,000 people each year, including survivors of rape and gender-based violence, children, and individuals living with HIV. Operating with a committed full-time staff of seventeen, the clinic offers a wide range of services that address both physical health and psychological recovery. These include maternal and child healthcare, family planning for approximately 450 people per month, HIV testing for around 100 people monthly, and ongoing support—both psychological and material—for 330 HIV-positive individuals. For women who have experienced sexual assault or abuse, the clinic hosts trauma healing workshops and facilitates self-help groups aimed at emotional recovery and empowerment, providing a safe space where survivors can share their stories, rebuild their sense of identity, and regain control over their lives with the support of trained professionals and a community of peers.

Burundi remains one of the poorest countries in the world and continues to face political instability and social unrest. Kamenge, a densely populated commune, was nearly obliterated during the civil war that spanned from 1994 to 2005. Today, it is home to more than 65,000 people, many of whom are widows, single mothers, and survivors of the conflict living in extreme poverty. In this fragile context, the Ntaseka Clinic stands alone as the only provider of free or low-cost healthcare services. The burden of disease is particularly severe in Kamenge, which reports one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the country. Without the clinic, residents would be left with virtually no access to care.

The clinic’s work goes far beyond treatment. Through outreach and education, it seeks to address the root causes of gender-based violence, promote reproductive health, and improve awareness about maternal and child wellbeing. By offering family planning, the clinic plays a role in helping to curb Burundi’s high birth rate, which places additional strain on families already living in hardship. Its HIV support services allow individuals to manage their condition and live full, dignified lives. The trauma healing programs provide women with the emotional strength and social connection needed to rebuild after violence. And through its focus on prevention and public education, the clinic is actively working to reduce the incidence of abuse and poor health outcomes in the community. The Ntaseka Clinic’s impact is profound, but the need remains great. Its continued operation is not just a matter of healthcare—it is an essential investment in the dignity, safety, and future of Kamenge’s people.

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