06/05/2026
In Burundi, recent baseline data from Kabezi and Nyabiraba brings a clear gap into focus.
Only 18% of fathers can name basic childhood vaccines. Just 13% have accompanied their child to a health facility. Fewer than 15% see childcare as a shared responsibility.
At the same time, fathers remain key decision-makers in many households.
Through the KLIC Catalyst Grant, GaneshAID supports locally led initiatives that are working to address this gap in more practical, context-specific ways.
The FatherFirst pilot, implemented by AB3D, takes a practical approach to this challenge. It focuses on creating space for fathers to engage—through small group discussions, local leadership, and simple digital reminders that reflect everyday realities.
It’s still early. But even at this stage, the work highlights something important:
engagement is not only about access to services—it is also about who is part of the conversation.
We’ve shared an article with more context and early reflections from this pilot:
🔗 https://ganeshaid.com/engaging-fathers-to-improve-child-health-in-burundi-insights-from-the-fatherfirst-pilot/
Curious to hear how others are approaching father engagement in immunization or primary healthcare.