Abuja: The United Nations (UN) has announced the successful training of nearly 200 community health officers in Rwanda, focusing on infection prevention, early detection, and risk communication to enhance Ebola preparedness. This initiative comes as part of broader efforts to prevent potential outbreaks in the region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric provided this update during a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York. The UN, alongside its humanitarian partners, continues to support Rwandan government-led efforts to prepare for any potential Ebola outbreak, even though Rwanda has not reported any cases so far.
In recent assessments, the UN reviewed border crossings and health facilities to evaluate screening and detection capabilities and staff readiness. The organization is also aiding efforts at the Rugerero Ebola Training Center in the western province, where it has facilitated training for Red Cross volunteers and ambulance drivers on transport procedures. Despite the absence of confirmed cases, Rwanda remains at high risk due to its proximity to heavily impacted areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Meanwhile, Kenya has bolstered its readiness for Ebola at its busiest land borders. Dekens Okoth Ojera, a member of the Busia Cross Border Women Traders Sacco, expressed concerns about the lack of awareness and preparation for handling potential Ebola cases. Although Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the ongoing transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the daily cross-border movement of thousands of people heighten the risk.
The Kenya National Public Health Institute, with assistance from WHO and the International Organisation for Migration, trained 35 health workers and engaged 45 border stakeholders at three key points of entry in August. These include the Busia and Malaba One-Stop Border Posts in Busia County and Lwakhakha in Bungoma County. Oliver Atsing’a, a port health officer, emphasized the importance of early detection and community engagement in the ongoing efforts.
The region’s constant movement of people and goods underscores the necessity of diligent monitoring and preparedness to prevent any potential Ebola outbreak.