On Thursday 25 october 2018, Rwanda Military Hospital rapid response team, successfully conducted a drill dubbed KUMIRA EBOLA SIMULATION EXERCISE that was designed to test the readiness and preparedness of medical personnel during a probable Ebola outbreak in Rwanda.
The Minister of Health, Dr Diane Gashumba and the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba were among the dignitaries that witnessed the conduct of the exercise.
Formed and trained to handle any ebola emergency case that may rise, the RMH rapid response team is composed of around 70 medical personnel that were carefully trained in handling ebola case and enhance prevention and spreading of the disease.
Dr Zuberi Muvunyi, the Director General of Clinical and Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health said that the exercise showcased the ability of RDF, its Rwanda Military Hospital and medical regiment to contain the outbreak. "So far, the level of readiness for the military medics to contain the Ebola outbreak is at the high level as per their equipment and preparedness in every aspect to appropriately intervene and effectively contain the disease. Other medical facilities in the country should also learn from this," said Dr Muvunyi.
The Ministry of Health has assured the general public that Rwanda is on red alert to tackle Ebola from spreading in the country, after a number of cases were reported in the neighboring country of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the World Health Organization confirmed an Ebola outbreak in different parts since May 2018.
The Rwanda Defense Force spokesperson Lt Col Innocent Munyengango said that the exercise proved RDF's readiness to contain the outbreak, adding that "'We will continue training and improving our skills for such cases as this one or any other epidemic as part of our role to provide security and humanitarian assistance to Rwandans."
Rwanda currently has no suspected or confirmed case of Ebola.