Every year, more than 30,000 children under the age of five in Burundi die from causes that could be avoided with proper care and treatment. Many of these children are from marginalized groups, such as refugees, displaced people, orphans, and people living with HIV/AIDS and crisis affected persons. They suffer from poor access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas, where health facilities are scarce and understaffed. They also lack essential services such as immunization, nutrition, and water and sanitation, which are vital for their survival and well-being.

Women and girls are also at risk of losing their lives or health due to pregnancy and childbirth complications. Burundi has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, with 334 deaths per 100,000 live births. Many women and girls do not receive adequate antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, either because they cannot afford it, or because they face cultural and social barriers. Some of them are also exposed to harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, which increase their vulnerability to HIV and other infections.

The country has an estimated HIV prevalence of 1.4%, which translates to about 85,000 people living with HIV. The epidemic affects women more than men, and some key populations more than others, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. These groups face stigma and discrimination, which limit their access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. HIV/AIDS also has a negative impact on the health system, as it reduces the availability of human and financial resources, and increases the burden of disease and mortality.