The World Health Organization Country Office Representative and the Rwandan Minister of state in charge of Public Health and Primary Health Care were at the Kacyiru hospital to further enhance public health emergencies preparedness and response. 

Kigali, June 28, 2018: The Ministry of health and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working together to ensure readiness and immediate outbreak response capacity in the country. It is in this regard that the WHO Representative in Rwanda, Dr Olu Olushayo, handed over 48 infrared thermometers and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) kits, which contain assorted infectious diseases protective equipment to the Minister of State in Charge of Public and Primary Healthcare in the Rwandan Ministry of Health, Dr Patrick Ndimubanzi. The event took place at Kacyiru Hospital on Thursday, June 28, 2018.

These materials will support the screening of all individuals passing through the country’s Port of Entries and will help in the management of any potential suspected case at designated health facilities. It is important that such equipment gets in the country before there is any deteced or confirmed case. « These equipment and supplies will no doubt further strengthen the country’s capacity to contain Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and save many lives» said Dr Olu Olushayo, the WHO Representative to Rwanda
« Today, we are here to testify to the good collaboration between the MOH-WHO by receiving these materials as well as other technical and financial support. This will help the country front liners in their daily preparedness activities and ensure Rwanda is safe from epidemics.

After the onset of EVD in Western DRC, unaffected countries with land borders adjoining the DRC including the Republic of Rwanda have been advised by the World Health Organization Regional Office (AFRO) to establish surveillance and alert systems and ensure that basic infection prevention and control measures are in place in Health Care facilities. WHO supports affected countries by ensuring appropriate training to health care workers in infection prevention and control and in establishing rapid response teams. “The WHO Regional Office has provided US $750,000 to MOH Rwanda to implement a VHF outbreak contingency plan to further strengthen the country’s preparedness with the technical support of WHO Country Office in Rwanda” concluded Dr Olushayo.