The First Lady of the Republic, Denise Nkurunziza launches the Child Health Now Campaign.

On the 6th of December, World Vision Burundi in collaboration with Burundi Ministry of Health launched the Child Health Now Campaign in Muramvya, one of World Vision Burundi’s zones of interventions which is in the centre of Burundi. The campaign was launched by the First Lady of the Republic of Burundi, Mrs Denise Nkurunziza in the presence of many dignitaries, senators, MPs, Representatives of the Ministry of Health, the governor of the province, and a big crowd of mothers and children. More than 3000 people attended the launch.

Before the launch, Mrs Denise NKURUNZIZA, Albert Siminyu – the WVB National Director, and the present dignitaries visited Mbuye health centre, a centre, which is working with World Vision Burundi from 2011 in its fight against malnutrition. 35 mothers and their malnourished kids were present, and in the sign of solidarity the first Lady gave them food composed of rice and bean as well as soap in order to help them have hygienic practices. The First Lady also visited a mum who gave birth the previous night to her third child.

“I congratulate you my dear, but do not forget about family planning. Life has become hard, we need to give birth to kids we are able to rear. I wish your husband was here to here this advice,” she said. The mum kept quiet, looked in the eyes of the First Lady and nodded.

At the launch, different groups of dancers, danced and sang songs with the main messages on the need for all efforts to be made to ensure children survived to see their 5th birthday. Oscar Ndayiziga, the governor of Muramvya stood first and welcomed everyone present at the launch and thanked World Vision for its work and taking the initiative with this important campaign. 

“If you see your government partnering with different international organisations like World Vision to promote development here, do not think that you are going to sit and wait for them to do it alone for you. You need to be proactive. Will you support us in all development undertakings?” he asked.

The governor talked to the community members as he concluded, the joyous crowd answering in choir, and clapping their hands.

Albert Siminyu, World Vision Burundi National Director came forward and spoke. He stressed that as an organization that is focused on child well-being, it was unacceptable to assist at more than 220 children dying each day without action. “Together with our partners we will work to change this situation we consider unjust. ‘Child Health Now’ is a good way to get there,” he explained. He concluded mentioning the Child Health Now main objectives; which are improved equitable access to quality Maternal and Newborn Child Health (MNCH) services; adequate long-term funding for MNCH. And improved prevention of diseases and malnutrition among children under five.

The First Lady officially launched the campaign thanking World Vision.