The Republic of Korea, through its embassy in Kigali and aid agency, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, on Wednesday, November 25, handed to Rwanda a package of medical supplies to reinforce Rwanda’s Covid-19 testing capacity.
The supplies are worth $404,600 (over Rwf399.5 million).
They include 26,400 of RT-PCR testing kits, one mobile laboratory vehicle and five walk-through disinfecting booths. This support follows the donation of 100,000 KF94 high-quality masks to RBC frontline workers in September.
The donation was handed to the Minister of Health, Dr Daniel Ngamije by the Korean ambassador to Rwanda, Chae Jin-weon, in an event that was attended by top leaders from Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and KOICA among others.
In his remarks, Ambassador Chae noted that he hopes the support will further strengthen Rwanda’s response to Covid-19.
He said: "Now that Rwanda is embarking on its socio-economic recovery plan including resumption of schools and businesses, there is a need for refined and reinforced posture.”
"In this regard, I strongly believe that the support from the Republic of Korea will make a valuable contribution to strengthening the testing capacity of Rwanda as well as securing the safety of frontline health workers,” he added.
The envoy also emphasized that his country is committed to remain a close friend of Rwanda in its fight against the pandemic and effort to build a resilient and inclusive economy and society.
Significance of the donation
According to Minister Ngamije, the support will help the country increase its Covid-19 testing capacity.
He said: "On behalf of the government of Rwanda, we appreciate the support especially during these hard times of Covid-19.”
Ngamije explained that during Rwanda’s continued Covid-19 testing exercise, the test booths will help minimize the risk by health workers of contracting the virus while conducting these tests.
He also noted that: "The mobile laboratory will be used in screening Covid-19 in different settings especially schools, prisons, refugee camps and other places where we would need to be faster to reach and test those we suspect of having contracted the virus.”
The mobile infection testing and screening vehicle, according to the Ministry of Health, has the capacity of collecting 2,500 sample tests a day, which is expected to increase the country’s average daily Covid-19 testing capacity to about 5,000 tests a day.
Meanwhile, in further show of solidarity and cheering on the frontline workers, on October 15, the Embassy of Korea provided 300 lunchboxes to RBC frontline staff.
The lunchboxes consisted of Korean and Rwandan food made by Kijami Table, Korean Social Venture in Kigali.
Other forms of cooperation
Besides Korea’s support to Rwanda in Covid-19 response, the two countries are already partnering in several other sectors.
For instance, both countries have forged a strong partnership in development cooperation especially focusing on ICT, Agriculture, and Education sectors with projects worth $89 million during 2013-2018.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea is also supporting Rwanda’s youth response to Covid-19.
For instance, KOICA supported the implementation of the Ministry of Youth and Culture’s national youth Covid-19 resilience plan.
It contributed to the establishment of handwashing stations among all national youth centers, the provision of technical and financial support to 100 young innovators, and more than 120 existing young entrepreneurs whose business have been affected by Covid-19.
Ambassador of Korea, Chae Jin-Weon hands over Covid-19 equipment to Minister of Health Dr Daniel Ngamije in Kigali on Wednesday 25 November. / Craish Bahizi