Covid-19 screening capacity increased tenfold in Rwanda, three months after the first positive test. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health Dr. Daniel Ngamije.
According to the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, Rwanda has increased its covid-19 testing capacity tenfold in three months. “Around mid-March, we could test 300 people a day. Today we have a testing capacity of 3,000 people a day,” said Minister Dr. Ngamije. “We can go even further. The problem is to find the laboratory equipment that is needed on the market,” adds Dr. Ngamije.
Five hospitals across the country can screen for covid-19. These are Kirehe, Nyagatare, Rwamagana, Gisenyi, and Gihundwe hospitals. In addition, there is the National Reference Laboratory in Kigali.
Foci of propagation are constantly changing
Currently the country has several small outbreaks of contamination. The most recent is that of the Gikondo Transit Centre in Kigali.
The results of the screening on Wednesday 08 July revealed 59 new cases of covid-19 of which 49 are from Kigali. They were detected at the Gikondo Transit Centre. 39 of them are young people held in this centre and 10 others are civilian or security personnel operating in the said centre. Work is under way to trace the contact persons in this new home. At Kabuga, Kirehe and Ngoma, similar problems had been noted.
“From now on, before receiving individuals in the dungeons or transit centre, they must first pass through an isolation centre for covid-19 testing,” said Minister Ngamije, announcing the new protection measure for detainees. “We will also strengthen the protection of security authorities,” said Dr. Ngamije.
A few weeks ago, another outbreak was found in Rusizi district where four areas had been infected with covid-19. Minister Daniel Ngamije says the situation is no longer as alarming as it was in the early days.
Five villages in the three sectors, in two districts which are Nyarugenge and Kicukiro are in containment. But the situation is evolving positively as confirmed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije. “Three villages and part of the fourth may soon be released from the confinement because there are no more new cases,” said Minister Ngamije.
Gerard Rugambwa
