BUJUMBURA November 4th (ABP) – Burundi First Lady Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza returned from a working visit to Ghana on Friday November 1, 2019, with two prizes awarded for her commitment to the struggle to take charge of infertility. Upon arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, she told the press that she had gone to Ghana to attend the sixth edition of “Merck Africa Asia Luminary” and the Merck Foundation’s second anniversary celebration alongside the other African first ladies.

Regarding the prizes won at the same time, Mrs. Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza said that the first prize was awarded to the first ladies for recognition of their involvement in the “Merck more than a mother” campaign, an awareness campaign for their respective communities to combat the stigma associated with infertility. The second prize was awarded by the Merck Foundation for writing a song in three languages, Kirundi, French and English. This song gives courage to women who could not have children, she said, adding that she was delighted with the success of that song that has already traveled around the world.

She continued to say that her mission was an opportunity to exchange experiences in health, particularly on cancer, diabetes and especially the management of infertility. The Burundi first lady also had the opportunity to report on everything that has been done in Burundi in this area, including her meeting with the press and a public conference on raising awareness of the Burundian population on health issues.

Mrs. Denise Bucumi further noted that the Merck Foundation’s 2nd anniversary celebration was an opportunity to renew the commitments of the African first ladies to improve access to health care for everyone. Upon the end of her stay in Ghana, she was able to meet the Burundian community living in that country. She encouraged them to love their homeland and invited them to continue to fulfill their civic duty by contributing for the 2020 elections, for those who have not yet done so.