BUJUMBURA, February 9th (ABP) – The Ministry of Health of the Baden-Württemberg region in Germany granted, on Thursday February 8, 2024, a donation consisting of 10 Aeonmed VG70-type invasive vacuum cleaners to 5 hospitals in Burundi.
The Kamenge University Hospital Center (CHUK) received 4 devices, while the Ngozi hospital and Muyinga hospital were entitled to 2 vacuum cleaners each. As for Tanganyika care hospital and Karusi hospital, they received one device each.
In his speech, the German Ambassador to Burundi, Mr. Carsten Hölscher, said that he is proud of the links that exist between Burundi and the Baden-Württemberg region. “The devices handed over will improve medical care and save the lives of many people,” he underlined, specifying that this donation was granted within the framework of the existing partnership between Burundi and the said region. It was granted on the occasion of the week dedicated to the patient.
In turn, the pulmonologist and pediatric pulmonologist at CHUK, Dr. François Ndikumwenayo, pointed out that patients in need of respiratory assistance are between life and death, and that these devices will be major tools which will allow them to survive. This donation, which aims to save people who are in respiratory distress, is very useful,” said Dr Ndikumwenayo. He was delighted with this aid even if it does not cover all the hospitals that need it. “It “is a step to be recognized,” he stressed. He added that Burundi is in great need of medical equipment, as health services are suffering and the government cannot equip them alone. “Equipment is purchased in foreign currency and patients pay in local currencies,” he explained.