Although no cases have been recorded in the country, Rwanda has strengthened Ebola prevention measures following outbreaks reported in DR Congo and Uganda.

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Handwashing facilities have been installed in public places as authorities encourage people to observe proper hygiene practices.

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On May 28, at around 4 p.m., we headed to town to observe how people were responding to the measures. At Kigali’s Nyarugenge Market, it was mandatory for everyone to wash their hands with soap and water before entering. Security guards closely monitored the entrances to ensure compliance. It was evident that many people already knew what to do even before being reminded.

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At around 5 p.m., we proceeded to Nyabugogo Taxi Park, where a handwashing station with running water and soap had been set up at the upper entrance for people to use before entering. Pedestrians entering the park were required to wash their hands under the watch of a security guard, who ensured everyone complied before accessing the premises. At the main entrance, used mostly by vehicles, handwashing facilities had also been installed on both sides. Some people were using them. But others walked past without washing their hands, as there was no one monitoring that section.

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Some of the people we spoke to, who preferred not to be named, said they were aware of Ebola and how deadly it can be and were taking precautions to protect themselves and their families.

At around 4 p.m. on May 29, we visited Christian Life Assembly Church in Nyarutarama, where an operational handwashing station with soap was available. According to the church, the facility has remained in place since the Covid-19 pandemic as part of efforts to maintain hygiene standards.

Later that evening, at around 5 p.m., we visited Trinity International Academy located in the Nyarutarama area of Gasabo District, where a handwashing station had been set up a few steps from the school gate. A gatekeeper, who requested anonymity, said maintaining proper hygiene remains one of the school&039;s priorities and that learners had been encouraged to wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.

We then headed to Kimironko Market, arriving at around 6 p.m.

Handwashing stations had been placed on both sides of the market entrance. Despite the heavy flow of people due to the market's busy nature, a security guard stationed at the entrance ensured everyone complied.

People who attempted to enter without washing their hands were stopped and directed back to the washing stations before being allowed in.

The security guard, Innocent Nigenzera, told us that enforcing handwashing was part of directives issued by district authorities following the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.

The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is one of the six species of the Ebola virus and can be highly deadly. Health experts say the risk of infection can be reduced by observing preventive measures recommended by health authorities.

Rwanda has also strengthened surveillance and entry-control measures at Kigali International Airport as the country heightens vigilance over the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo.

Under guidelines announced on May 22, foreign nationals who have travelled to or transited through DR Congo within the previous 30 days will be denied entry into Rwanda.

Rwandan citizens and foreign residents with valid residency documents who have recently travelled through DR Congo are allowed entry but subjected to mandatory quarantine.

On May 29, health minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana briefed members of the diplomatic corps on the Ebola outbreak in the region. Officials reaffirmed that Rwanda has no confirmed Ebola cases and shared updates on preparedness and response measures currently in place.

Life in Rwanda, including conferences, tourism activities, business operations, and domestic travel, remains normal as preventive measures continue to be observed.

For health information or to report symptoms, the public has been advised to contact Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) hotline on 114.

In a public notice issued on May 25, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) reiterated that the country had not recorded any Ebola cases and that public health measures had been strengthened. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 900 suspected Ebola cases and over 223 suspected deaths have been recorded across DR Congo and Uganda. Uganda has confirmed nine Ebola cases, including one death.

The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo.

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Although Ebola currently has no approved treatment and limited vaccine options, scientists at Oxford University are developing a new vaccine that could be ready for clinical trials within two to three months as part of efforts to respond to the outbreak.

However, experts say it is too early to determine whether the vaccine will be effective, as it must still undergo animal studies and human clinical trials.