On September 12, 2024, Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) in Burundi organized a mobile clinic in the communities of Kabezi and Ruziba. This initiative, part of SYM’s commitment to enhancing public health in Burundi, focused on delivering therapeutic reinforcement and holistic health education, targeting the vulnerable populations who have limited access to healthcare services.

The undertaken initiative by Service Yezu Mwiza in Kabezi and Ruziba aligns with the 2nd Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference (UAP): Walking with the excluded the outcasts in the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice. This preference calls for Jesuit ministries to prioritize care for those marginalized, including the poor, the sick, and those whose dignity is overlooked. SYM’s mobile clinic embodies this by providing vital healthcare services to underserved communities, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other chronic illnesses, ensuring dignity and access to essential health services for the most vulnerable.

Through this initiative SYM’s mobile clinic plays a crucial role in bringing comprehensive and sustained healthcare support to communities living in rural areas where the roads are sometimes impassable and access to information and healthcare resources is limited. These mobile visits are not only for providing medical care but also for engaging in awareness-raising sessions aimed at combating the stigma surrounding illnesses such as HIV. By promoting healthier lifestyles and encouraging early detection and treatment.

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, a training session on Peer Education for adolescents was held at the Yezu Mwiza Service. Organized by ICAP, the training aimed to enhance the monitoring and care of adolescents. The training was used to enhance education on antiretroviral therapy (ARV) by providing participants with quality services that cater to their needs and expectations.

A total of 58 adolescents from 16 different response zones of the Service Yezu Mwiza participated in this training, which was designed to strengthen their ability to support and engage with their peers effectively. Through this holistic approach, SYM combines medical care with a strong focus on community education and personalized care. The young peers were empowered to take control of their health and be responsible.

Through the collaboration African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) has with SYM, we are able to reach various communities that would otherwise be cut off from regular healthcare services due to geographic or economic barriers in Burundi. This flexibility is especially important in Burundi, where access to healthcare in rural areas remains a challenge. By bringing healthcare directly to the people, SYM is addressing these disparities and ensuring that even the most marginalized populations have access to the care they need.

By, Communication Team,

Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM), Burundi.