The Rwandan Red Cross has just donated mattresses to the districts of Gasabo and Nyarugenge as part of disaster preparedness. 48 people per district received 37,480 frws each for primary needs.
Each district received 100 mattresses covered with imitation leather and 312 boxes of soap worth a total of 7 million Rwf.
“This donation to the two districts will help them cope with the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic,” says Emmanuel Kayijamahe, coordinator of the Rwandan Red Cross (RRC) in Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts.
These mattresses were intended to prevent the overflow of hospitals in case the number of patients could exceed the capacity of the health facilities. “Fortunately, the health authorities have managed the situation well. So far we have not been in a situation where we have had to lay mattresses in the open for covid-19 patients,” says Kayijamahe.
For Nyarugenge district, these mattresses come at the right time. There is no shortage of need. The district will quickly redistribute them. “For Muhima hospital, most of the mattresses need to be replaced. We will use this donation to improve the quality of service,” says Emmy Ngabonziza, District Executive Administrator (DEA) of Nyarugenge District.
“The construction of the Karama maternity ward has already been completed. This week we are inaugurating this maternity ward which supports the health center and hospitals. These mattresses can be used there,” adds Ngabonziza.
DEA of Nyarugenge District, Emmy Ngabonziza, explains that vulnerable people and victims of natural disasters who will be resettled in new houses will also need these mattresses.
Gasabo district, which also received 100 mattresses and 312 boxes of soap, finds this support from the Rwandan Red Cross useful during this period of health crisis.
“These mattresses and soaps are necessary materials during this period of pandemic of covid-19. They will allow us to support especially the victims of covid-19 in the health centers and hospitals,” says Jean Marie Vianney Ntaganzwa, Corporate Services Division Manager of Gasabo district.
Money transfers to assist the needy
The Rwandan Red Cross (RRC) has just transferred 37,480 Rwandan francs to people either affected by the covid-19 pandemic or suffering from other psychosocial problems. “32 cooperatives will be able to resume their activities thanks to the support of the RRC and 776 families will be able to resume their income-generating activities,” reveals Emmy Ngabonziza, District Executive Administrator of Nyarugenge.
Among the beneficiaries are also individuals suffering from psychosocial problems. According to Sophie Mukamuvunyi, in charge of social affairs in Nyamirambo district, the beneficiaries are mainly survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi.
“Most of them lived on the income earned from the VUP project. A very limited number were retained, others had their activities disrupted by the covid-19 health crisis,” she said.
Among the beneficiaries residing in Nyamirambo sector, Nyarugenge district is Fidélité Kanyange. She is from the Cyivugiza cell, Mpano village.
“I suffer from permanent headaches. Especially from the month of March. I had to suspend my studies. This year, the medical follow-up has not been respected because I have not been able to pay the costs of health insurance, Mutuelle,” she explains in a voice that is barely audible. “Health for me is a priority. I have to buy a health insurance card first. Then I will try to find a small business to improve my living conditions,” she promises.
Alice Nikuze, on the other hand, lives in the village “Ibuka”, in the Rugarama cell. She had to stop her small business that allowed her to survive.
“I used to run a small bar. With the health crisis I had to close. This money I have just received will allow me to buy chickens because they bring in money,” she hopes.
This state auxiliary organization is also mobilizing the population in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus through the work of volunteers.
This project to assist 48 people affected by covid-19 or suffering from psychosocial problems is being implemented by the Rwandan Red Cross in 15 districts of the country. It is funded by USAID.
Gérard Rugambwa
