Lessons Learned from Rwanda: Innovative Strategies for Prevention and Containment of COVID-19

• DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3172
• Publication Date: 2021-02-25T09:23:45Z
• Authors: Naz Karim; Ling Jing; J. Austin Lee; Ramu Kharel; Derek Lubetkin; Camille M. Clancy; Doris Uwamahoro; Ernest Nahayo; Joseph Biramahire; Adam R. Aluisio; Vincent Ndebwanimana
• Keywords: Preparedness; Pandemic

<strong>Introduction:</strong> Rwanda has made significant advancements in medical and economic development over the last 20 years emerged as a leader healthcare East African region. The COVID-19 pandemic, which reached March 2020, presented new unique challenges for infectious disease control. objective of this paper is to characterize Rwanda's domestic response first year pandemic highlight effective strategies so that other countries, including high middle-income can learn from its innovative initiatives. <strong>Methods:</strong> Government publications describing capacity were consulted obtain country's baseline context. Next, official government system communications, case counts, prevention screening protocols, treatment facility practices, behavioral guidelines public, read thoroughly understand course specific measures response. <strong>Results:</strong> As 31 December recorded 8,383 cumulative cases, 6,542 recoveries, 92 deaths since on 14 2020. Ministry Health, Biomedical Centre, Epidemic Surveillance Response division have collaborated preparative began January formation Joint Task Force early led Coronavirus National Preparedness Plan, an extensive six-month plan established national incident management detailed four phases comprehensive Notable included disseminating public information through drones, robots inpatient care, communications social media platforms combat misinformation mobilize cohesive population. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> responded with interventions prevent contain virus. Importantly, utilized adaptive technology robust risk communication community engagement deliver pandemic.