On Friday, June 18, 2019, Founder of Buntu foundation, Her Excellency Denise Nkurunziza organized a workshop to sensitize the administrative, religious actors and health officials of the southern region on the themes of eliminating the transmission of HIV mother-child, prevention and management of infertility and family planning. Present at the Tanganyika Lodge Hotel in Rumonge Province were governors, heads of health districts and representatives of the religious denominations of Rumonge, Bururi, Makamba, Mwaro and Rutana provinces. Presents were also the Minister of Public Health and the fight against AIDS and the Country Director of UNAIDS.
In her opening speech, Founder of Buntu foundation stated that it’s time to see the current benefits and set u other strategies to reach the goal that Burundi shares with other countries to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. She urged leaders to monitor immoral behavior in hotels.
Her Excellency Denise Nkurunziza indicated that workshop is also part of the continuation of the “More than a Mother” campaign officially launched on March 19, 2019 by the Buntu Foundation, in partnership with the Merck Foundation, as a reinforcement of the empowerment and valorization of infertile couples and women in particular.
According to Founder of Buntu foundation, the issue of infertility has long been a taboo subject in Burundian culture and the responsibility for infertility is attributed only to women.
The presenters showed the causes of infertility and the misdeeds of multiple and close pregnancies. Among other causes of infertility, Dr. Bazikamwe Sylvestre, the Gynaecologist cited untreated infectious diseases, such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, abortions and risky deliveries. On the causes of infertility, the First Lady encouraged the administrative and religious leaders to combine their efforts to strengthen the education of children.
Founder of Buntu foundation has finally emphasized family planning because it is the source of sustainable development. On this subject, the administrative and religious actors were urged to continue raising awareness so that the Burundian mentality changes and aims at family planning for family welfare.
