In a strong demonstration of enduring friendship and health cooperation, the Chinese Embassy in Burundi has donated a substantial package of medical supplies and equipment to support the East African nation’s healthcare system. The handover ceremony on January 15, 2026, at Prince Regent Charles Hospital marked a milestone in bilateral ties and reaffirmed China’s commitment to Burundi’s development goals.
The donated valued at over 319 million Burundi francs (about USD 108,000) include 244 categories of medicines and 288 types of medical equipment, aimed at enhancing the diagnostic and treatment capacity of three key hospitals: Prince Regent Charles Hospital in Bujumbura, Gitega Regional Hospital in central Burundi, and Mpanda General Hospital in western Burundi.
Pierre Sinarinzi, Permanent Secretary of Burundi’s Ministry of Public Health, welcomed the contribution as timely and impactful for citizens who have faced challenges due to gaps in essential medical infrastructure and supplies. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government for its “continuous and multifaceted support”, noting the donation would directly improve patient care and health outcomes.
Fang Guoqing, Charge d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Burundi, emphasised that the equipment was selected to address priority needs in local hospitals and improve service delivery for Burundians. He reaffirmed China’s intention to deepen cooperation not only in the health sector but in other development priorities as well.
The medical donation builds on decades of China- Burundi cooperation in public health. Since 1987, China has dispatched 544 medical professionals to hospitals in Burundi, helping to strengthen clinical skills and expand access to care in regional facilities.
China’s engagement has also supported hospital construction and equipment in Burundi; for example, Chinese assistance was crucial in the establishment and upgrading of Mpanda General Hospital, a facility built to reduce the need for Burundians to seek treatment abroad, although earlier equipment shortages highlighted ongoing capacity needs.
Moreover, in September 2024, the two governments agreed on a Chinese-funded construction of an 11-storey Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, reflecting infrastructure partnership and diplomatic collaboration.
Educational cooperation has also been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In January 2025, 50 Burundian postgraduate students received Chinese Ambassador Scholarships, part of a broader commitment to human capital development and higher-education exchange.
China’s holistic support includes agricultural cooperation, such as hybrid rice cultivation programs that have significantly improved food security and livelihoods in rural Burundi.
As Burundi intensifies efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals, targeted health interventions such as this donation strengthen foundational services and expand access to quality care. China’s medical donation is aligned with broader China-Africa health initiatives outlined in the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan, which include hospital partnerships, medical personnel exchanges and expanded disease prevention programmes across the continent.
By reinforcing frontline health infrastructure and continuing long-standing cooperation, China and Burundi are demonstrating how international partnerships can produce practical benefits that improve daily life and support national development priorities.
