Background :
The prevalence of HIV in Burundi is 1.3% of the general population and 10, 2% among PWID.PWID have a risk of morbi- mortality because they are not well integrated in healthcare system. For the first time, addressing this risk of PWID was included in the national strategic plan because of a strong advocacy of civil society but few interventions have been implemented.
Objective: To determine the number of people who died or became inactive due to using drugs and the contributing factors.
Methodology: A prospective study was performed for all registered drug users whether injected or not attending Jeunesse au Clair Medical drop- in center (DIC).
Results: In our study, 13 drug users registered in our DIC died, of which 80% of them died of overdose and 20% died due to associated co-morbidities such as tuberculosis and HIV;95% of drug users who attend the center presented with insomnia and can sleep no more than one 1hour a day ;68% had cutaneous infections and recurrent, antibiotic resistant infections , 53% of the patients have malaria, two women had miscarriages , 25% were students who dropped out school , 18 of drug users were HIV positive and six faced road traffic accidents.
The factors that most heavily contributed to the morbi-mortality were: heroin use which contributed to 80% of deaths and morbidity, lack support from family or other partners, absence of emergency care or comprehensive package to deliver appropriate care, HIV, tuberculosis, unemployment and poverty.
Conclusion: In order to better manage the health of drug users in Burundi, whether drugs are injected or not need, there must be a comprehensive package of care as recommended by World Health Organization in a specific and equipped center which will reduce morbi-mortality among this population.
Recommendations: A comprehensive package of care supported by ministry of health and donors included ,but not limited to; policies to reduce stigma which increase access to healthcare, opioid substance therapy (OST) and needle syringe exchange program is key to reducing morbi-mortality among drug users in Burundi.
Key words: Morbi-mortality, PWID, contributing factors, Burundi
Author: Dr HARAGIRIMANA, E. Jeunesse au Clair Médical. ABS