The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended Rwanda on its response to the Ebola epidemic that has killed thousands and caused panic across the world. Dr Martins Ovberedjo, the WHO representative in Rwanda, said government had made good use of the available resources, both financial and human, to put in place precautionary measures against the disease. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Ovberedjo said the government responded well by keeping the public informed about the epidemic. He also commended the government for ensuring that there is qualified personnel throughout the country to manage the epidemic in case of any outbreak. “There have also been efforts to ensure that all the 16 entry points into the country have screening facilities and qualified personnel manning them,” Ovberedjo said. He commended the local media for disseminating information amongst members of the public, which he says, has boosted preventive measures. His comments were echoed by the United Nations Resident coordinator Lamin Manneh, who added that the epidemic is an international emergency that requires urgent response from all across the world. The Ministry of Health on Tuesday said that a total of 3,430 health workers had been trained to handle the epidemic in case of an outbreak. The ministry also said that over 250,000 visitors had been screened since the beginning of the exercise four months ago, with about 30 being quarantined for 22 days in facilities before they were declared safe. Signs and symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat, general body weakness and diarrhea. Others include vomiting, abdominal pain, skin rash, red eyes, and bleeding from all body openings. These symptoms appear between two and 21 days after exposure to the virus.
