Bujumbura, December 21, 2024 – The Health Board Ministry of the Burundi United Methodist Church gathered for its annual meeting to celebrate the significant accomplishments of 2024 and present its vision for the future. The event began with a word of prayer led by Reverend Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera, the Church’s Legal Representative and Dean of Superintendents. Reflecting on Mark 7:32-37, Dr. Theodore Mbazumutima emphasized the importance of compassionate communication in caregiving.
Dr. Aloys Nyabenda, Health Coordinator, welcomed the attendees and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to advancing public health in alignment with national health initiatives. The meeting provided a comprehensive review of the ministry’s key accomplishments, including the successful completion of several infrastructure projects, malaria prevention efforts, and the rebuilding of Kayero Hospital, a vital facility destroyed during the country’s conflicts. The reconstruction of Kayero Hospital was made possible through partnerships with the Burundi United Methodist church members and the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM).
In 2024, the Health Board also celebrated the completion of the Gahambwe Health Center in Kinyinya District and ongoing construction of the Nyabizinu Health Center in Ngozi District. The ministry’s malaria prevention campaign included providing anti-malaria medicines and offering training for healthcare workers, supported by the “Imagine No Malaria” initiative.
The Health Board’s education and water supply, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives made a positive impact by installing water systems, constructing latrines, and organizing health campaigns targeting the prevention of Mpox and malaria. To strengthen human resources, the ministry deployed a medical missionary and provided scholarships for future healthcare workers.
During the meeting, Hon. Reverend Dr. Sinzohagera proposed developing a dedicated project to combat malaria in Kumoso, an endemic area severely affected by the disease. He stressed the importance of targeted interventions to alleviate the burden on local communities. “Remember that our mission as members of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ through evangelization. Besides evangelization, we are committed to develop our community by sustainable”, said Rev Emmanuel.
The discussion also highlighted challenges, including limited budgets for district health initiatives. Dr. Sinzohagera emphasized the need for these initiatives to be integrated into district budgets to improve service delivery.
Looking ahead, the Health Board set an ambitious goal of establishing a health center in every district by 2030, alongside the completion of the nursing school currently under construction in Kayero District. These goals align with the ministry’s long-term commitment to improving healthcare across the country.
The meeting concluded with the Health Board Coordinator offering updates on upcoming initiatives for 2025 and extending heartfelt thanks to all attendees for their continued support. Reverend Dr. Sinzohagera closed the session by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, urging continued dedication to the church’s mission of promoting health and serving communities throughout Burundi.
