The Republic of Burundi is under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda




Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects 2010/2011

 

Title

JAPAN GRASSROOTS GRANT AID PROVIDES FULLY EQUIPPED HEALTH CENTER IN BUBANZA

Date

2nd March 2012

Location

Bubanza, Burundi

Project title

The Project for the Rehabilitation and Improvement of Mukomere Health Center

Amount

US$ 85,598

Attendance

  • ● H.E. Mr. Toshihisa Takata, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Burundi
  • ● Ms Rie Ishihara, Third Secretary In-Charge of Burundi & Seychelles
  • ● Ms Miwa Sasaki, Programme Coordinator, JICA Burundi
  • ● Provincial Inspector General at the Ministry of Public Health and Fight Against Aids
  • ● Administrator Rugazi District
  • ● Members of Groupe de Volontaire en Faveur des Enfants et Femmes en Difficultés (GVFEFD)
  • ● Community Members
About 200 participants in total.

Main activity

Friday 2nd March 2012 was a memorable day for the residents of the Rugazi Commune in Bubanza Province in Burundi because His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Burundi Mr Toshihisa Tataka visited their locality to commission Japan’s small grants Project for the Rehabilitation and Improvement of Mukomere Health Center.

In March 2011, the Embassy of Japan in Burundi awarded Groupe de Volontaire en Faveur des Enfants et Femmes en Difficultés (GVFEFD) an amount of US$ 85,598 to carry out expansion works at the Mukomere Health Center and purchase specialized medical equipment to improve the quality of health care given to the locals; especially pregnant women, children under 5 years and people living with HIV/AIDS who are entitled to free medical care at the center.

The Japanese delegation arrived at the Health Center to a warm reception from the community. Traditional drummers and dancers entertained all present as the community celebrated the commissioning of an accessible and well equipped health center. The Ambassador and the guests present toured the facility and acknowledged the quality of the structures built and the timely execution of the project.

Through the provision of specialized medical equipment by the Government of Japan, this center is now be able to accurately diagnose diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis, anemia, diabetes etc; many of which could only be diagnosed and treated at major hospitals in Bujumbura. The establishment of a maternity wing has also increased the capacity of the health center to take care of expectant mothers; ensuring that they have a safe delivery that will have a positive impact on maternal and child mortality rates.

The Chairman of Groupe de Volontaire en Faveur des Enfants et Femmes en Difficultés (GVFEFD) thanked the government of Japan for the assistance that will now allow them to fulfill their objectives which include assisting particularly vulnerable children and women in the community through provision of affordable and quality health care. 

The Representative from the Ministry of Health also thanked the Japan for the assistance which he termed as a boost to the health sector in the Province. He encouraged the community to make good use facility.

The Ambassador commended Groupe Volontaire en Faveur de Femmes et Enfants en Difficulté for a job well done. He expressed confidence that the facility would be put to good use so that many low income people will be able to benefit from the facility for many years to come.

Traditional dancers entertaining guests at the ceremony

 

Laboratory (left) and delivery room (right) rehabilitated and equipped using GGP funds

 

The Ambassador delivering his speech

Guests following the proceeding at the Ceremony