Burundi: Bringing Surgical Care Closer
Burundi is a small country in the heart of East Africa, known for its rolling green hills and strong sense of community. It is also one of the most densely populated countries in Africa and among the poorest in the world.
For many people living in rural areas, access to surgical care is limited not by need, but by distance, infrastructure, and resources. Hospitals are often far away. Transportation is difficult. And even when care is available, it may be out of reach.
This is the environment in which SOTAC began its work.
The Challenge
Across Burundi, the need for surgical care is significant, particularly in rural communities. While local providers are deeply committed and skilled, they are often constrained by limited infrastructure, equipment, and capacity.
In many areas, patients must travel long distances for procedures that are routine elsewhere — or go without care entirely.
These conditions create what are often referred to as surgical deserts: places where access to essential surgical services is limited or unavailable.
The Approach
SOTAC partnered with the Ministry of Health, regional institutions, and local surgical teams to support a series of mobile surgical camps in Burundi.
Working alongside partners such as Mercy Surgeons and in collaboration with regional hospitals, SOTAC helped bring mobile operating capability directly to communities in need.
Rather than operating independently, these efforts were designed to integrate with existing systems — supporting local teams, aligning with national priorities, and strengthening ongoing outreach efforts already in place.
The goal was not only to deliver care, but to demonstrate a model that could be sustained and expanded.
In Practice
When a SOTA Convoy arrives in a community, it creates a temporary but fully functional surgical environment. Patients are identified and screened in coordination with local providers. Surgical procedures are performed on-site, with support for pre- and post-operative care.
During recent work in Burundi, surgical teams were able to evaluate and treat patients who otherwise would not have had access to care. Priorities included procedures that could be performed safely and effectively in a mobile setting, including common but impactful conditions.
At the same time, local clinicians were engaged throughout the process — participating in care delivery, coordination, and follow-up.
A Shift Toward Continuity
One of the most important outcomes of the work in Burundi has been the move toward continuity.
Through ongoing partnership, mobile surgical care is being integrated into regular outreach efforts, allowing for recurring access rather than one-time intervention. SOTAC is working with local partners to support a model of scheduled, repeated surgical camps, combined with training and shared planning.
In parallel, regional hospital partnerships provide referral pathways for patients requiring more complex procedures, ensuring that care continues beyond what can be provided in a mobile setting.
This shift transforms access from occasional to ongoing.
Partnership in Action
The work in Burundi reflects a network of collaboration.
Local organizations such as Mercy Surgeons bring deep knowledge of the communities they serve and maintain long-term relationships with patients. Ministries of Health provide essential support, alignment, and integration into national systems. Regional hospitals contribute expertise and serve as referral centers.
SOTAC’s role is to help coordinate these efforts — aligning infrastructure, logistics, and systems so that care can be delivered safely and consistently.
The result is not a single intervention, but a shared effort.
Looking Ahead
The work in Burundi continues to evolve.
What began as a series of surgical camps has become the foundation for a broader approach to expanding access to care. The lessons learned are informing work in other regions, where similar challenges exist and where local partners are seeking sustainable solutions.
Burundi is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a model that can be adapted and extended.
A Human Moment
On one of the final days of surgery, a mother approached the team with her young son. There was no capacity left to add another case.
Instead of frustration, she offered gratitude.
Even though her child could not be treated that day, she expressed thanks for the care that had been provided to others in her community.
Moments like this reflect the spirit of the people SOTAC works alongside — and reinforce the importance of continuing the work.
Expanding access to surgical care takes time, partnership, and persistence. The work in Burundi shows what is possible. Join us.