Burundi Cancer Care Needs: A Call to Action

Oncologist. 2020 Dec;25(12):1055-1059. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0410. Epub 2020 Sep 10.

Abstract

Burundi is a landlocked country in the East Central Africa region. Beyond a long civil war strife, cancer care remains overlooked, in terms of both infrastructure and human resources needs, and it shows from estimated global incidence and mortality figures. Through a focused literature search, this study highlights the main cancer care needs in this country, with the aim to gather global oncology support to Burundi. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: There is little knowledge about the state of oncology in Burundi. This article, based on a literature search, depicts an image of the current state of cancer care in Burundi and aims to compel global health enthusiasts to join in curbing the death toll of cancers in Burundi.

Keywords: Burundi; Low- and middle-income countries; Needs; Oncology.

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Africa, Eastern
  • Burundi / epidemiology
  • Developing Countries*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy