The United States of America (USA) has donated a mobile X-Ray machine to the Government of Rwanda, to provide support to Kibuye Referral Hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat COVID19 patients.
The statement released by US embassy on Friday 21st May 2021 shows that the machine worth Rwf 44 million will increase capacity of the hospital located in Karongi to test and treat COVID-19 patients as the district continues to fight an uptick of new cases.
US ambassador in Rwanda, Peter H. Vrooman who led the delegation that took the machine to the hospital said that the donation is a fruit of existing partnership in health sector.
“The United States and Rwanda have strong partnership in public health and it saves lives. We want this critical tool to be put to use where it is needed most,” he noted.
The mayor of Karongi district, Mukankusi Vestine said that the machine will boost health service delivery in Western Province.
“We are delighted to receive the X-ray machine from US embassy. It will help Kibuye Hospital to improve service delivery to all patients from Western Province,” he revealed.
Apart from COVID-19 diagnosis, the machine will also help to diagnose other respiratory diseases and assist critically ill patients in the right time.
Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center said that Karongi receives the equipment in handy considering the fact that it is among major hotspots for new cases.
Currently, Karongi district is among the districts most affected by COVID-19. This is the right place where such equipment will be put to use for improved COVID-19 diagnostics and treatment,” he noted.
The machine donated yesterday is part of over Rwf 17 billion funding the US allocated to support Rwanda’s COVID-19 prevention efforts since March 2020.
Rwanda records 72 new COVID-19 cases, 83 recoveries
The Ministry of Health has reported that 75 people have caught COVID-19 while 83 recovered. The statement released last night shows that no one succumbed to the virus yesterday.
The majority of new cases were found in Karongi: 18, Ngororero: 11, and Nyamagabe: 11.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2002. Since then, 26 601 people have been tested positive of whom 24 967 recovered, 1285 are active cases while 349 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 350, 400 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
