Burundi’s First Lady and president of the Fondation Bonne Action «Umugiraneza», Angeline Ndayishimiye, met with the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. At the US Embassy in Burundi, Bridget Premont, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The meeting, held at the Fondation Bonne Action «Umugiraneza» headquarters in Kibimba, Gitega province, focused on bolstering health sector cooperation and the well-being of the Burundian population. Discussions specifically addressed combining efforts in the prevention and fight against malaria and HIV/Sida, alongside strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Angeline Ndayishimiye stated, "Nous sommes ici pour travailler avec la population et toute personne qui vient soutenir la santé de la population ainsi que le programme de développement de notre pays, le Burundi" (We are here to work with the population and anyone who comes to support the health of the population as well as the development program of our country, Burundi).
Foundation's Health Initiatives
Angeline Ndayishimiye detailed the various intervention areas of the Fondation Bonne Action «Umugiraneza» during the meeting. These initiatives include the Polyclinique «Umugiraneza», a hospital dedicated to individuals with mental disorders located in Ngozi. Additionally, she noted the Urumuri center in Gitega, which specializes in treating obstetric fistulas. The First Lady reiterated the foundation's commitment, stating, "We are here to work with the population and anyone who comes to support the health of the population as well as the development program of our country, Burundi." Her presentation showed the foundation's broad engagement in public health, addressing both mental health and critical maternal health issues within the country.
US Embassy's Collaboration Aims
Bridget Premont, the US Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Outlined areas where the US Embassy intends to partner with the Fondation Bonne Action «Umugiraneza». The embassy seeks to reinforce existing interventions aimed at improving the health of the Burundian population. This collaboration focuses on strengthening current efforts to address public health challenges across the country.
Partnership for Development
Angeline Ndayishimiye emphasized the importance of collaboration with partners dedicated to improving public health, viewing it as a key step for Burundi's development. The First Lady reiterated her commitment to working alongside those who support the nation's health and development initiatives. "Nous sommes ici pour travailler avec la population et toute personne qui vient soutenir la santé de la population ainsi que le programme de développement de notre pays, le Burundi," Ndayishimiye stated, noting the foundation's readiness to engage with various stakeholders. This approach shows a broader strategy to foster partnerships that directly contribute to the well-being and progress of the Burundian population.
Broader Health Context
The discussions between Angeline Ndayishimiye and Bridget Premont occurred within a broader context of public health challenges in Burundi. These efforts contribute to ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the health of the Burundian population. The Fondation Bonne Action «Umugiraneza» and the Ambassade des Etats-Unis d’Amérique au Burundi regularly engage in programs designed to support health and development across the country. Such collaborations are part of a wider commitment to addressing critical health issues in Burundi, involving various stakeholders and international partners.