Workers who took part in the nationwide mosquito net census are facing growing frustration and uncertainty after waiting several weeks without receiving the payments promised for their work.
🔶 A nationwide operation supported by international partners
The census operation, conducted across the entire country, was organized by the Ministry of Public Health, with technical and financial support from World Vision and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Burundi).
The activity took place from 8 to 17 October 2025, mobilizing a large number of temporary workers tasked with identifying households eligible for mosquito net distribution.
Prior to the start of the operation, participants were informed that each worker would receive a daily allowance of 30,000 Burundian francs, intended to cover transport, communication, subsistence costs, and remuneration for the work performed.
🔶 Failure to honor financial commitments
At the conclusion of the census, workers reasonably expected to be paid promptly, as is customary for activities funded by international partners. However, no payments were made, despite the official completion of the assignment.
Even more concerning, the subsequent phase of the program — the distribution of mosquito nets to households — was carried out and completed while the census workers remained unpaid. For many, this situation represents a serious injustice and a lack of recognition for their essential role in the success of the program.
🔶 Administrative silence and growing suspicions
According to the affected workers, multiple inquiries were made to supervisors and project coordinators, yet no clear explanation or payment timeline has been provided.
This prolonged silence has fueled fears that the funds allocated for their remuneration may have been mismanaged, withheld, or diverted, particularly given that the project had identified and secured financial backing.
For many workers, who rely on this temporary income to support their families, the delay has caused significant economic hardship, increasing financial stress and vulnerability.
🔶 Appeal to authorities and partners
The unpaid workers are now making an urgent appeal to the Ministry of Public Health, as well as to partner organizations, to clarify the situation and ensure immediate payment of the allowances owed.
They also call for greater financial transparency and accountability in the management of projects involving temporary workers, to prevent similar situations in the future.
For the workers, it is unacceptable that a public health initiative of national importance, supported by international partners and successfully implemented, should leave behind unpaid workers with no clear avenue for redress.