The conflict that Burundi experienced for almost a dozen years had destructive consequences on the society, the economy and the health sector. Burundi is now one of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) in the world, 169th out of 177 in the 2005 ranking in the UNDP Human Development Index. The health system is handicapped by a lack of trained personnel and funds as well as a shortage of medicines and modern equipment.

The prevalence of HIV/Aids was estimated at 3.3% in 2006 (UNAIDS) and at over 6% for the 15-44 age bracket with levels that exceed 10% in urban and peri-urban zones. Thus, in this country of 7,548,000 inhabitants with a high population density (301 inhabitants/km2 in 2007), the number of PLWHA in 2006 was 150,000, including 79,000 women, 20,000 children from 0 to 14 years and 120,000 Aids orphans. In September 2008, 13,155 people were receiving ARV therapy.

After elaboration of the 2007-2011 strategic plan which was validated by the Council of Ministers in April 2007, two important documents were elaborated within the framework of the mobilisation of funds. One was a proposal for Round 7 of the Global Fund and the multi-sector project which will be financed by the World Bank (MAP II). The country's Round 7 proposal was not approved but it has just received a conditional positive response for Round 8. Moreover, under the impetus of the National Reference Centre, several activities are in progress, in particular:

§ Modification of the national plan for ARV therapy according to national and international recommendations,

§ A study on resistances,

§ A study on INH prophylaxis for the prevention of tuberculosis in HIV patients,

§ Monitoring of second-generation HIV,

§ A national survey of seroprevalence and social comportment in preparation.

For 2008, the World Bank pledged financing that will not exceed US$20 million which is less than half of the amount it gave for the 2002-2006 action plan. Other partners such as UNDP, UNICEF, WHO and NGOs have not provided any financing for several years. Only USAID has continued the fight against Aids in the country through the NGO FHI (Family Health International). The country is therefore in real need of financing from the Global Fund.