Overall objective

The overall objective of the BITEHO Project is to contribute to reducing the burden of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in Burundi by strengthening prevention, early diagnosis, access to quality care and continuity of treatment.

Specific objectives

The project seeks to:

  • Increase public knowledge of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and their shared risk factors;
  • Promote healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, tobacco-use prevention and routine health screening;
  • Strengthen the competencies of doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers in preventing and managing diabetes and hypertension;
  • Increase access to community- and facility-based screening services;
  • Facilitate the early diagnosis of people living with undetected diabetes or hypertension;
  • Strengthen referral pathways between communities, public health facilities and specialised care services;
  • Improve patient education, treatment adherence and self-management practices;
  • Improve access to comprehensive and affordable care for vulnerable patients, including people living with type 1 diabetes.
  • Promote regular monitoring to prevent or detect complications at an early stage;
  • Generate reliable data and operational evidence to support national planning and decision-making on non-communicable diseases.

Main areas of intervention

  1. Capacity building for healthcare professionals

BITEHO provides training, coaching and supportive supervision for doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals. The training focuses on diabetes and hypertension prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, patient education, follow-up, complication prevention and appropriate referral.

The project combines classroom-based training, online learning, practical coaching and mentorship within participating health facilities. This approach helps healthcare workers translate theoretical knowledge into improved clinical practice.

  1. Strengthening community health workers

Community health workers are trained to educate communities about diabetes and hypertension, identify people presenting risk factors or warning signs, promote healthy behaviours and refer individuals requiring screening or clinical assessment.

By working closely with communities, they help connect households with health facilities and support the continuity of health education and follow-up.

  1. Community awareness and prevention

The project conducts awareness campaigns through community meetings, radio programmes, social media, educational videos, churches, workplaces, local authorities and public health events.

Community walks and other physical activity initiatives are also used to promote healthy lifestyles and mobilise the public around the prevention of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

  1. Screening and early diagnosis

BITEHO organises screening activities in communities, workplaces, public events and health facilities. Screening services include blood glucose measurement, blood pressure assessment and evaluation of relevant risk factors.

People with abnormal findings are referred for clinical assessment, confirmation of diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

  1. Referral and continuity of care

The project strengthens referral linkages between community health workers, primary healthcare facilities, hospitals and the VHA Medical Center. Patients requiring specialised assessment or follow-up are directed to the appropriate level of care.

Particular attention is given to people with type 1 diabetes and patients at increased risk of complications who require specialised expertise and continuous monitoring.

  1. Patient education and self-management

Patients receive practical education on medication adherence, blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring, nutrition, physical activity, recognising warning signs and attending regular medical appointments.

Individual follow-up plans are used to monitor progress toward treatment goals, including glycaemic control, blood pressure control, healthy nutrition and weight management.

  1. Data generation and operational research

BITEHO collects and analyses data on awareness, screening, diagnosis, referral, patient self-management and diabetes-related complications. This evidence will help assess the effectiveness of project interventions and inform national strategies for diabetes and hypertension prevention and care.