About US
Turning professional vision into safe anesthesia care
The Burundian Association of Advanced Clinical Practitioners of Anaesthesia and Critical & Intensive Care (ABPCAAR) represents the apex of anesthesia advocacy in Burundi. Our journey began in 2016 with the founding of ATSARPS (Agora des Techniciens Supérieurs Anesthésistes Réanimateurs pour la Promotion de la Santé), approved under Ministerial Ordinance No. 530/1975.
Born from a necessity to unite practitioners and standardize care, the association quickly became the primary interlocutor for anesthesia safety in the country. Following the 2017 reform of the Non-Profit Association framework (Law No. 1/02), we modernized our governance structure to better serve our members and patients.1 In 2025, recognizing the advanced expertise of our members, the Ministry of the Interior officially sanctioned our transition to ABPCAAR via Ordinance No. 530/1508.1 This evolution from "Technicians" to "Advanced Clinical Practitioners" reflects our commitment to the four pillars of our profession: Clinical Practice, Leadership, Education, and Research. Today, ABPCAAR is not just an association; it is a learned society dedicated to saving lives through critical care excellence.
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Team work
Let's Meet The Team
Dr. Gilles Eloi Rwibuka
Luc Saburorere
Samuel Nizigiyimana
Time laps
A Story To Our Journey
Foundation Era
The origins of the organization lie in the critical need to unite the fragmented anesthesia workforce in Burundi. In 2016, the Agora des Techniciens Supérieurs Anesthésistes Réanimateurs pour la Promotion de la Santé (ATSARPS) was founded.
This initial entity was governed by the decree-law No. 1/11 of April 18, 1992, and received its first official approval under Ministerial Ordinance No. 530/1975 on October 25, 2016.
Collaborate with team members to rise
TDuring these years, the organization focused on establishing basic recognition. A critical turning point occurred following the promulgation of the new Law No. 1/02 of January 27, 2017, which established a new Organic Framework for Non-Profit Associations in Burundi. In response to this legislative change, ATSARPS convened a General Assembly on August 1, 2017, to amend its statutes and align with the new national legal framework.1 This responsiveness to legislative changes demonstrates the organization's commitment to compliance and should be highlighted in the historical timeline
Collaborate with team members to rise
The subsequent years were marked by intense operational activity, including partnerships with Lifebox to distribute pulse oximeters and the organization of SAFE (Safer Anaesthesia From Education) training courses.2 However, the identity of "Technician" eventually became insufficient to describe the expanding scope of practice and leadership role the members were assuming in the Burundian healthcare system.
The Strategic Pivot to ABPCAAR (2025–Present)
The transformation into ABPCAAR is the central theme of the new website. This change was not instantaneous; it was the result of a deliberate democratic process. On August 24, 2021, the General Assembly voted to change the denomination of the association.1 This decision was driven by a desire to align the professional title with international standards of "Advanced Clinical Practice
This process culminated legally on May 28, 2025, when the Minister of the Interior, Community Development, and Public Security, Martin Niteretse, signed Ministerial Ordinance No. 530/1508. This ordinance officially recognized the change of name to the Association Burundaise des Praticiens Cliniciens Avancés Anesthésistes Réanimateurs (ABPCAAR).