Burundi ‘facing malaria epidemic’

The ministry of health says the disease has killed more than 700 people since the beginning of the year – an average of more than 10 deaths every day.

Health Minister Josiane Nijimbere said regions in the north and north-east of Burundi were most affected.

Climate change and the introduction of rice crops on higher land have been suggested as causes for the rise in malaria cases, which have been increasing since 2013.

Some 8m people from a total population of 11m suffered malaria last year.

The regions most affected by malaria are also the most food insecure. Earlier this year, the UN said 3m Burundians were in need of food assistance.