Burundi's First Lady Wins UN Award for Healthcare and Education Efforts

Burundi's First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye has received international recognition for her work in promoting healthcare and education in her country. The United Nations presented her with the institutional category of the 2026 United Nations Population Award, which is given to organizations that make significant contributions to population issues.

The award was given to Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza, an organization chaired by First Lady Ndayishimiye, for its work in healthcare capacity building, girls' education, and community health awareness across Burundi. The foundation has implemented various initiatives, including campaigns that promote the prevention and early detection of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Merck Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has been a long-standing partner of First Lady Ndayishimiye's office since 2020. The foundation congratulated Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza on the award, citing years of joint efforts to improve healthcare and well-being in Burundi.

First Lady Ndayishimiye has been a key figure in promoting women's health and empowerment in Burundi. She has led advocacy efforts and worked with government ministries to identify beneficiaries and support the reintegration of trained health professionals into the public health system.