Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza, chaired by Burundi’s First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, was recognised for its work in healthcare, education and social support.
Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza of Burundi has received the 2026 United Nations Population Award in the institutional category, earning recognition for its work to improve healthcare, education and social support for vulnerable women, children and families. Burundi’s First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, who chairs the foundation, was congratulated by Merck Foundation, its long-term partner.
The award was presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The 2026 honour is the 41st edition of the United Nations Population Award, which recognises individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health issues and related solutions.
Merck Foundation CEO Senator Dr Rasha Kelej congratulated Ndayishimiye and the foundation, highlighting their partnership since 2020. The foundation said its collaboration in Burundi has focused on strengthening healthcare capacity, supporting girls’ education and expanding community awareness on health and social issues.
Healthcare Capacity Building
One of the key areas highlighted by Merck Foundation is specialist medical training. The organisation said it has provided 55 scholarships for Burundian doctors in critical and underserved medical specialties in coordination with the country’s health authorities.
The partnership has also supported training in fertility care. According to Merck Foundation, specialised training for Burundi’s first fertility specialists, embryologists and technicians contributed to the establishment of the country’s first public IVF centre. Training initiatives have also covered areas including cancer and diabetes care.
The UNFPA said Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza opened the Polyclinique Umugiraneza in Gitega Province in 2022, expanding access to specialist services including paediatrics, emergency care and fertility services for communities outside major urban centres. (United Nations Population Fund)
Focus on Girls’ Education
Education is another major component of the partnership. Through the “Educating Linda” programme, Merck Foundation said 40 high-performing but underprivileged Burundian schoolgirls receive annual educational scholarships to help them continue their studies. School supplies and storybooks are also distributed as part of the initiative.
The programmes are linked to wider advocacy around girls’ education and issues that can prevent girls from completing school, including child marriage.
Community Health and Social Support
The foundation’s work extends beyond medical services and education. UNFPA said Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza has supported women and children, including survivors of gender-based violence, and has provided assistance for women affected by obstetric fistula.
Merck Foundation said its partnership has also used media campaigns, educational materials, children’s storybooks, songs and other communication platforms to raise awareness around health and social issues.
These initiatives include efforts to promote prevention and early detection of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, while also addressing infertility-related stigma, gender-based violence and women’s empowerment.
Second UN Recognition
The 2026 award also marks another United Nations recognition for Ndayishimiye. In 2023, she received the United Nations Population Award in the individual category for her leadership and advocacy to improve health and well-being in Burundi.
This year’s institutional award recognises the foundation rather than Ndayishimiye personally.
The United Nations Population Award was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 and has been presented since 1983. The award includes a gold medal, diploma and monetary prize, with laureates selected by an intergovernmental committee of UN Member States.
The recognition puts the foundation’s work in healthcare, education and community support in the spotlight, while Merck Foundation said it plans to continue its partnership with the First Lady’s office, the foundation and relevant Burundian institutions.
