SEATTLE, Washington — Like many African countries, Rwanda has experienced a long history of health crises, and as a result, its government was better prepared to face another viral outbreak like COVID-19. When the first positive case of the coronavirus entered the country, its government instantly enacted a national emergency plan. The immediate action plan has helped the people of Rwanda by keeping the death toll relatively low, with only two deaths to date in a population of almost 13 million. Yet, despite the country’s readiness, Rwanda’s fight against COVID-19 continues to have serious challenges.
Initial Response to COVID-19
Even before the coronavirus officially reached Rwanda, its government implemented procedures to slow the spread of the virus. These practices included sending trained officers with fever scanners to high-risk areas like border posts, and setting up handwashing stations in the nation’s capital bus park. When the first case was recorded on March 8, the government of Rwanda immediately responded to the outbreak, prohibiting non-essential trips to populated areas and shutting down non-essential businesses.
The country’s pandemic readiness certainly helped, but COVID-19 in Rwanda continues to spread, with a total of 636 positive cases to date. Reasons for the rise in cases can be attributed to the difficulty of social distancing in a densely-populated landlocked country. Moreover, like many other nations are experiencing, Rwanda is experiencing a lack of testing kits to count and treat the infected correctly. Government officials continue to update their prevention procedures, and, as of June 16, it now includes a country-wide curfew, requiring citizens to wear masks and restricting large congregations in public spaces.
Economic Response
COVID-19 in Rwanda has exemplified the country’s fast-growing economy and technological advancements. In May, the Ministry of Health announced that five anti-epidemic robots were used to monitor COVID-19 positive patients. These robots can carry out some necessary activities of healthcare workers, such as monitoring patients and delivering medications. Up to 150 people per minute can be screened by these anti-epidemic robots, reducing the risk of infection on healthcare workers.
Yet, citizens across the country are not experiencing these equal advancements in economy and technology. Many Rwandans fear they will fall into starvation as a result of not receiving a paycheck for weeks to come. Anasthase Shayaka, a government minister in Rwanda, announced that the government is focusing on vulnerable Rwandans and will take action to prevent starvation. On March 17, the government ensured citizens they will not go hungry by establishing fixed prices on foods, helping to prevent price gouging.
International Support
As of April, Rwanda is also receiving international aid from the World Bank and the U.S. Embassy, which are providing millions of dollars to strengthen Rwanda’s response to the virus. The U.S. Embassy provided an additional $1 million on top of its existing financial assistance to Rwanda’s COVID-19 National Preparedness and Response Plan. The World Bank pledged $14.25 million to this plan while also launching a new operation called the Rwanda COVID-19 Emergency Response project.
Both programs intend to prevent and detect the virus and strengthen the country’s response. The funds support critical processes, including the training of healthcare workers, purchasing supplies and enforcing COVID-19 surveillance.
COVID-19 in Rwanda presents mass challenges, but its government has taken adequate precautions and holds experience in epidemics similar to this one. International economic relief programs have helped alongside the country’s advanced technological sector. No one knows for certain how long this pandemic will last, but Rwanda’s exemplary fight against COVID-19 continues to steer the country in a promising direction.
– Radley Tan
Photo: Flickr