At all entry points into Rwanda, there are stringent measures to prevent any
The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) will conduct a full-scale simulation exercise to evaluate the country’s readiness for a positive case of Ebola.
The drill will take place at Kigali International Airport on 22 November 2014, according to a press statement from the Rwanda Military Hospital, which is leading the exercise.
The simulation exercise is in additional to multiple Ebola preparedness initiatives already in place in Rwanda. These include, amongst others, the screening of people entering the country and the temporary banning of entry into Rwanda for travellers who have been in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea Conakry in the last 21 days. Returning residents from these countries are quarantined for 22 days.
With the outbreak of Ebola in some parts of West African, and the subsequent spread to other countries, Rwanda may be also on risk. Medical teams need to be mobilised and trained on its prevention and containment. The exercise will help to achieve this. Before the rehearsal, 183 personnel from the RDF, RNP, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration and RwandAir will receive training on how to handle Ebola patients and in the use of personal protective equipment.
The objective of the drill is to test the capabilities of response teams in handling a person arriving at Kigali International Airport suspected of having Ebola. In addition, the exercise will train and provide a rehearsal for health workers on the professional handling and management of Ebola patients. It will allow them to quickly identity available resources and practice effective communications among the response teams. The exercise will also give defence and police staff the opportunity to rehearse the use of personal protective equipment, the disinfection process and the burial of a victim of Ebola.
Saturday’s simulation is being conducted in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration and RwandAir. Please see attached a note for more details on the scenario.
All media outlets are invited to cover the event but must confirm their participation beforehand. Transport will be provided from the airport to the treatment facility and also to Rutongo quarantine facility for those who require it.
The scenario will be held on Saturday 22 November 2014 at 1600 at Kigali International Airport. The exercise will then continue at the Rwanda Military Hospital treatment facility located at RDF GHQ and at the Rutongo quarantine facility.
The scenario will be held on Saturday 22 November 2014 at 1600 at Kigali International Airport. The exercise will then continue at the Rwanda Military Hospital treatment facility located at RDF GHQ and at the Rutongo quarantine facility.
The Government of Rwanda has prepared a number of measures in the event that a person infected with Ebola travels to Rwanda. These include:
- Establishing a national isolation centre at the Rwanda Military Hospital near to the Kigali International Airport.
- Training 3,400 health workers in dealing with Ebola.
- Training staff at all district hospitals and healthcentres across the country.
- Training RwandAir staff and customs and immigration officials.
- Distributing biohazard suits and other prevention equipment to major hospitals and health centres around the country.
- Carrying out awareness campaigns to help people understand how to prevent Ebola and respond in the event of a suspected or confirmed case.
- Establishing an emergency operations centre at the Ministry of Health.
- Establishing a toll free hotline (1110) that provides advice and information on Ebola.