Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza, chaired by Burundi's First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, was recognised for its work in healthcare, education and social support.

Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza of Burundi has received the 2026 United Nations Population Award in the institutional category, earning recognition for its work to improve healthcare, education and social support for vulnerable women, children and families. Burundi's First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye, who chairs the foundation, was congratulated by Merck Foundation, its long-term partner. 

The award was presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The 2026 honour is the 41st edition of the United Nations Population Award, which recognises individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health issues and related solutions. 

Merck Foundation CEO Senator Dr Rasha Kelej congratulated Ndayishimiye and the foundation, highlighting their partnership since 2020. The foundation said its collaboration in Burundi has focused on strengthening healthcare capacity, supporting girls' education and expanding community awareness on health and social issues. 

Healthcare Capacity Building

One of the key areas highlighted by Merck Foundation is specialist medical training. The organisation said it has provided 55 scholarships for Burundian doctors in critical and underserved medical specialties in coordination with the country's health authorities. 

The partnership has also supported training in fertility care. According to Merck Foundation, specialised training for Burundi's first fertility specialists, embryologists and technicians contributed to the establishment of the country's first public IVF centre. Training initiatives have also covered areas including cancer and diabetes care. 

The UNFPA said Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza opened the Polyclinique Umugiraneza in Gitega Province in 2022, expanding access to specialist services including paediatrics, emergency care and fertility services for communities outside major urban centres. (United Nations Population Fund)

Focus on Girls' Education

Education is another major component of the partnership. Through the “Educating Linda” programme, Merck Foundation said 40 high-performing but underprivileged Burundian schoolgirls receive annual educational scholarships to help them continue their studies. School supplies and storybooks are also distributed as part of the initiative. 

The programmes are linked to wider advocacy around girls' education and issues that can prevent girls from completing school, including child marriage.

Community Health and Social Support

The foundation's work extends beyond medical services and education. UNFPA said Fondation Bonne Action Umugiraneza has supported women and children, including survivors of gender-based violence, and has provided assistance for women affected by obstetric fistula. 

Merck Foundation said its partnership has also used media campaigns, educational materials, children's storybooks, songs and other communication platforms to raise awareness around health and social issues.

These initiatives include efforts to promote prevention and early detection of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, while also addressing infertility-related stigma, gender-based violence and women's empowerment. 

Second UN Recognition

The 2026 award also marks another United Nations recognition for Ndayishimiye. In 2023, she received the United Nations Population Award in the individual category for her leadership and advocacy to improve health and well-being in Burundi. 

This year's institutional award recognises the foundation rather than Ndayishimiye personally.

The United Nations Population Award was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981 and has been presented since 1983. The award includes a gold medal, diploma and monetary prize, with laureates selected by an intergovernmental committee of UN Member States.

The recognition puts the foundation's work in healthcare, education and community support in the spotlight, while Merck Foundation said it plans to continue its partnership with the First Lady's office, the foundation and relevant Burundian institutions.

The meeting brought together delegates from different states to review the activities of the community organisation and deliberate on future programmes aimed at strengthening social unity and expanding participation among younger members. Representatives from Chhattisgarh, including members from Bilaspur and other districts, took part in the deliberations and shared updates on initiatives being carried out across the state.

Community leaders discussed measures to improve coordination between state units and the central organisation while also emphasising educational support, cultural preservation and social service programmes. The gathering reviewed ongoing organisational work and explored ways to encourage greater involvement of women and youth in leadership roles.

According to information shared during the meeting, delegates exchanged experiences from their respective states and discussed strategies to expand community-based activities through structured programmes at the district and regional levels. Special attention was given to strengthening communication between local committees and the national executive to ensure smoother implementation of future initiatives.

The participation of a 16-member delegation from Chhattisgarh was viewed as a reflection of the state's growing involvement in the organisation's national activities. Delegates highlighted several welfare programmes being conducted in the state, including educational assistance, community networking and social awareness campaigns.

The executive meeting also reviewed organisational priorities for the coming months. Discussions reportedly included membership expansion, digital outreach, support for students, skill development initiatives and measures aimed at preserving the cultural identity of the Agrahari community while adapting to changing social and economic conditions.

Senior office-bearers stressed the importance of maintaining coordination between different state units and encouraged representatives to strengthen grassroots-level participation. Delegates were urged to involve younger members in community activities and create platforms that would help them contribute to social and organisational development.

The gathering served not only as an administrative meeting but also as a forum for interaction among representatives from across the country. Participants exchanged ideas on successful initiatives implemented in different states, allowing various units to learn from one another and adopt best practices suited to their local needs.

Representatives from Chhattisgarh said the discussions would help guide future activities within the state. They indicated that lessons and recommendations emerging from the central meeting would be shared with district-level committees to strengthen ongoing programmes and improve coordination across the organisation.

Social organisations such as the Agrahari Samaj regularly organise national executive meetings to review organisational progress, discuss policy decisions and identify priorities for future community welfare activities. These meetings also provide an opportunity for state units to present their achievements and participate in collective decision-making.

With the latest executive meeting concluded, participating delegates are expected to begin implementing the resolutions and organisational plans discussed during the deliberations. Community leaders believe the decisions taken at the national forum will further strengthen coordination among state units and support a broader agenda of social development, education and community service.

Known for his people-centric approach and unwavering commitment to public service, Dr. Monga has earned widespread respect for his efforts in addressing community concerns and promoting inclusive development. His ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life has enabled him to build strong networks dedicated to collective progress and social betterment.

Driven by a vision of unity and empowerment, Dr. Monga established Ekta Mission in 2000, a social organization committed to advancing education, healthcare, environmental awareness, humanitarian aid, and community welfare. Under his leadership, the organization has successfully conducted health camps, educational support programs, blood donation drives, relief initiatives, and various outreach activities benefiting thousands of individuals and families.

One of the most significant demonstrations of his leadership emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when communities faced immense uncertainty and hardship, Dr. Monga actively mobilized resources and coordinated relief efforts, ensuring access to medical assistance, oxygen support, food supplies, and emergency aid for those in need. His hands-on involvement during the crisis reflected his deep sense of responsibility toward society and his commitment to standing beside people during their most challenging moments.

Beyond social initiatives, Dr. Monga has played an active role in community development, public engagement, and organizational leadership. His continued efforts to bridge public needs with practical solutions have strengthened his reputation as a trusted leader focused on creating sustainable and meaningful impact.

A strong advocate of social harmony, youth empowerment, healthcare accessibility, and educational advancement, Dr. Monga believes that nation-building begins with strengthening communities. His work continues to inspire individuals to participate in collective action and contribute toward a more inclusive and progressive society.

As he continues his mission of service, Dr. Pawan Monga remains committed to empowering citizens, fostering unity, and driving initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities across India. His journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of leadership rooted in compassion, purpose, and public service.

Vision

Empowering Lives • Inspiring Unity • Transforming Communities

The Akhila Sevak Samaj Council (ASSC), a newly established national-level social service organisation, has formally announced its launch with a focus on advancing social justice, community empowerment, and inclusive development through the principle of Nishkam Seva—selfless service.

Rooted in the philosophy “Seva Parmo Dharmah” (Service to Humanity is Service to God), the Council seeks to build a structured platform that connects grassroots communities with institutional support systems, including government welfare programmes and civil society initiatives. As an organisation in its formative stage, ASSC is laying the foundation for long-term, scalable interventions across both rural and urban India.

Vision and Approach

Guided by the civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), ASSC positions itself as a facilitative bridge—enabling access, awareness, and implementation of welfare-driven initiatives at the grassroots level. Its work is anchored around five core areas: social justice, community empowerment, skills development, health and wellness, and cultural preservation aligned with Indian values.

The organisation aims to adopt a collaborative model that integrates community participation, institutional partnerships, and policy alignment to ensure meaningful and sustainable impact.

Speaking on the vision behind the organisation, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, National Chairman , ASSC, said, "The vision of the Akhila Sevak Samaj Council is rooted in the idea that service must move beyond intent and translate into structured, measurable impact. Through Nishkam Seva, we aim to build a platform where communities are empowered, and governance reaches the last mile in a meaningful way."

He further said that, "Our focus is on building efficient systems that ensure programmes are implemented with accountability and consistency. At this stage, we are strengthening coordination mechanisms so that our efforts remain aligned with community needs as well as institutional frameworks."

Emphasising sustainability and partnerships, Dr. Mallappa, said, "Sustainable development at the grassroots requires both financial discipline and local collaboration. We are working towards creating transparent processes and partnerships that can support long-term social impact across sectors like health, education, and rural development."

ASSC has initiated groundwork in key areas such as community outreach, awareness drives, skill-building initiatives, and support for public welfare schemes. The organisation is currently focused on building partnerships, strengthening on-ground networks, and developing scalable programme models that can be expanded in the coming years.