The United Kingdom has provided Rwanda with $800,000 (over Rwf 1.5 billion) in support aimed at strengthening Ebola preparedness and response efforts as the disease continues to pose risks in parts of the region.
The funding was announced by Billy Stewart, Head of Development at the British Embassy in Rwanda, who said the support is intended to help protect lives by reinforcing health systems and preparedness measures in Rwanda and across the region. Burundi has also received a similar allocation under the same programme.
The assistance forms part of a UK-funded initiative focused on preventing and controlling epidemic-prone diseases across Africa.
According to the British government, the support is designed to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission of Ebola into Rwanda, particularly in light of recurrent outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
The funding will support the implementation of Rwanda’s national Ebola preparedness plan, with priority given to high-risk areas, including border points and other key entry and exit routes.
Key interventions will focus on strengthening disease surveillance and early detection systems, improving infection prevention and control in health facilities and communities, and enhancing water, sanitation and hygiene services in vulnerable areas.
The programme will also support risk communication and public awareness campaigns to ensure communities receive accurate information on Ebola transmission, prevention and response measures.
The Ministry of Health says no Ebola cases have been detected in Rwanda to date, but notes that preparedness and prevention measures remain in place. Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among neighbouring countries that have previously reported outbreaks.
