The United Nations has provided Rwanda with $2 million (more than Rwf2.9 billion) to strengthen the country’s preparedness and prevention measures against a potential Ebola outbreak.
The funding, released through the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), will support efforts to improve Rwanda’s capacity to detect, prevent and respond to Ebola, particularly amid the spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the region.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the support reflects the commitment of the UN and its humanitarian partners to backing Rwanda’s preparedness efforts, especially in districts bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola cases continue to be reported.
“The UN and its partners have trained health workers on infection prevention and control, early detection of cases and reporting. Protective equipment, testing materials and other supplies are also being prepared for high-risk areas,” Haq said.
He added that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has supported the training of healthcare workers to enhance their ability to respond to disease outbreaks.
The DRC remains the epicentre of Ebola infections in the region. By July 25, health authorities had confirmed more than 3,200 cases in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo.
Haq said surveillance measures are being strengthened through screening at key border points and expanded monitoring of hygiene, sanitation and water-related risks.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that no Ebola cases have been detected in the country and said preventive measures are ongoing. These include heightened monitoring at border crossings, health facilities and other locations with large public gatherings.
The additional support comes as Rwanda continues to reinforce its national preparedness systems to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases.
