Children like Kenny benefit from UNICEF's and Panalpina's aid in Burundi

Last November, UNICEF and Panalpina joined forces to fly much-needed relief goods to Burundi where a recurring crisis is taking a heavy toll on society and its weakest members: children. A Panalpina chartered cargo aircraft landed in Burundi with 70 tons of primary medical care goods on board such as antibiotics, analgesics, infusion sets and hospital equipment, provided by UNICEF. The vital goods were then distributed to various health centers to replenish the nationwide medication supply chain, which was on the verge of a complete stock out.

The latest crisis has led to an acute shortage of medication and hospital equipment, and a timely supply of essential drugs for quick treatment is therefore critical to improve child health and survival. Azizi is the manager of a dispensary in the district of Kabezi which supplies more than ten health centers a month, and knows all too well what it means to be out of stock for vital medicines and the danger it presents to children’s health. “This delivery of medicines came just at the right moment, and is a big relief for our district, as we can now help sick children”, she explains.

The delivery of vital medicines made together with UNICEF at the end of last year is now helping helping healthcare professionals such as Azizi treat children like Kenny, who when he became ill was able to receive free medication and quickly recovered.