By Yves Iyaremye;
The Red Cross of Rwanda has invested Rwf2.4 billion in stringent measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 including the construction of hand washing stations and raising awareness of the pandemic since March 2020 when the disease was first recorded in the country.
The Rwandan government commends the role of Rwanda Red Cross and its partners in helping the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Pandemic by construction of hand washing facilities in various public places such as schools, hospitals, markets in different parts of the country.
Rwanda Red Cross has built washing facilities in 62 schools across the country and other public places such as markets.
During an annual retreat in Rubavu, the organisation last Friday took time to visit some of those community-based activities they supported and to see how they contributed curbing down the spread of COVID-19.
Francoise Mukandekezi, the Vice President of Rwanda Red Cross noted the achievements during the annual retreat and highlighted to partners the program for next year that will focus on dealing with disasters or support those in urgent need help.
Returning to their efforts to tackle COVID-19 Pandemic, she said that, there is an Pandemic where some volunteers have helped to get different support, some people affected by COVID-19 have been given cash transfers, some have been given food and so on.
“Everything we have done since COVID-19 was first detected in Rwanda has included campaigning in all places, we have posted announcements by deploying vehicles with safety precaution messages through loud speakers in public places, we have built washing facilities in various places which has had a positive impact on the community,” she said.
Some of the residents in Rubavu district who were among the worst affected by Covid-19 pandemic praise Red Cross Rwanda for the awareness and building the facilities that helped to prevent the spread.
Anita Manishimwe, a resident of Rubavu sector notes that, “so far I have not been exposed to coronavirus mainly because I have complied several times with the instructions given by authorities and Red Cross Volunteers.”
According to Emmanuel Habiyaremye, the director of Gitebe 1 school in Rugerero sector of Rubavu district, the construction of the laundry washing station at their school helped them to clean up.
“It simply came to our notice then that our facility never had no children with COVID-19 because of our modern washing facilities. The best part is that we have a facilities that allows children to acquire knowledge that when they go back home they teach their parents to regularly wash hands because they have been thought at school.” He observed.
Phillipe Habinshuti, the Adviser to the Minister in-charge of Disaster Management praised the role played by Red Cross in the development of social welfare.
“What we appreciate about the Red Cross is a lot because we work together day by day to prevent, reduce violence, prepare, prevent, rescue people and repair damage among other things. We are grateful that they have volunteers in all cells of the country so that whatever happens they immediately provide support,” he said.
“They help us to reach out to the people as first as possible, while the ministry is involved in policy we need partners like red cross, this organization helps us to fulfill responsibilities, what we ask them to do is to continue to work together,” Habinshuti underlined.