BUJUMBURA, March 13th (ABP) – Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common health problems among women, with potentially serious consequences if not treated promptly. It is crucial to understand how these infections spread and to raise awareness among the Burundian population, especially women, about the importance of treatment. This was announced by Dr. Gallina Kazobinka, an urologist at Kira Hospital, in Bujumbura, in an interview she gave to a check by ABP on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Dr. Kazobinka first clarified that a urinary infection is an infection of the urinary tract, i.e., the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. She explained that there are three types of urinary tract infections: a bladder infection called cystitis, urethritis, which is an infection of the urethra, and pyelonephritis, which is an infection of the kidney. This infection is caused by bacteria that enter the body and settle in the urinary tract, she said.
According to her, symptoms of the infection include fever, pain, redness, rash, difficulty breathing, as well as headaches, burning, or pain when urinating. To combat these urinary tract infections, she explained, it is essential to inform all Burundian women about good intimate hygiene practices, including the importance of wiping from front to back and avoiding irritating products, encourage screening and treatment for those who have symptoms of infection, and organize information campaigns in communities, schools, and health centers.
Urinary tract infections can affect anyone, but they are more common in women than in men, Dr. Kazobinka emphasized. Most women are more affected by these urinary tract infections for anatomical reasons, as the urethra is very close to the vagina and anus, and the latter contain bacteria.
According to her, when a urinary tract infection is not treated in time or with an inappropriate antibiotic, resistant bacteria can travel from the bladder to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis is the most serious infection affecting the urinary system, she said.
Dr. Kazobinka noted that Burundian women, especially rural women, affected by urinary tract infections, are afraid of consulting a doctor. She urged them not to take medication without a doctor’s prescription, as self-medication can have negative effects on human health. Dr. Kazobinka also urged them to consult a doctor promptly to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Finally, she recommended that women in general, and men in particular, who experience symptoms of the infections, drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria, avoid excessive washing of their intimate parts, avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear, and opt for cotton underwear.