MUKAZA, Feb. 20 (ABP) – The United Methodist Church of Burundi granted, on Friday, February 20, 2026, to the minister of public health and the fight against AIDS, health kits consisting of medicines, beds intended for cholera patients, as well as other medical equipment with an estimated value of 150 million Burundian francs.
In her speech, the minister of public health and the fight against AIDS, Lydwine Baradahana, stated that these kits contribute to a lasting commitment to human life, the dignity of patients, and the strengthening of the national health system.
This batch consists of 25 beds for cholera patients, personal protective equipment, as well as essential medicines for the treatment of this disease, she specified.
Faced with the cholera epidemic affecting the country, Ms. Baradahana took the opportunity to renew a solemn appeal to all leaders of the various religious denominations in Burundi to mobilize their faithful to strictly observe hygiene and sanitation measures, particularly handwashing with safe water and soap.
She added that the ministry in charge of public health is mobilizing them to build a sufficient number of latrines and water points for handwashing for their faithful. Collective mobilization based on individual and community responsibility will enable them to sustainably overcome cholera, she emphasized.
The minister of public health expressed her gratitude to the United Methodist Church and its representative, Emmanuel Sinzohagera, for this donation and his constant commitment to compassion and social responsibility. This gesture strengthens hope and determination to build a more resilient, more inclusive and more efficient health system. Minister Baradahana assured that the donation will be used with rigor, transparency and efficiency in order to improve the quality of care provided to the people.
As for the Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Burundi and Rwanda, Emmanuel Sinzohagera, he revealed that that equipment was offered in order to strengthen solidarity and partnership between this church and the minister of public health and to support Burundi’s future in preventing cholera epidemics that threaten the lives of the people. He finally specified that that assistance aimed to improve the management of cholera cases.
Bishop Sinzohagera indicated that the government of Burundi will spare no effort in continuing the program to supply drinking water to the population. The United Methodist Church of Burundi also commits to supporting the country in protecting human life and in other development activities, Bishop Sinzohagera declared.