World Bank Supports Rwanda’s COVID-19 Response

 April 9,2020: Government of Rwanda and the World Bank today signed $14.25 million (approximately Frw 13.3 billion) International Development Association (IDA)* credit in immediate funding, to support Rwanda’s response to the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic under a new operation, the Rwanda COVID-19 Emergency Response project.

 The project is designed to help Government of Rwanda prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by the coronavirus and strengthen national systems for public health preparedness. It will support the COVID-19 National Preparedness and Response Plan by financing critical interventions, such as prompt diagnosis of suspected coronavirus cases; contact tracing to minimize risk of transmission; risk assessments to identify hot spot areas; and screening travelers at ports of entry.  The emergency project will also bolster clinical care capacity and establish isolation capacity at a selected number of national and district hospitals responsible for triaging and treating COVID-19 cases.

 “The financial support from World Bank is a boost to national efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. The Government is working around the clock to flatten the COVID-19 curve and ensure life gets back to normal. We thank the World Bank for its support during these difficult times,” says Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. 

  “As we commemorate 26 years since the genocide and pay our respect to those who lost their lives, we note that the country is now hard hit by the COVID-19 global pandemic which runs the risk of reversing some of Rwanda’s hard won socio-economic and health achievements, “says Yasser El Gammal, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda.

The Rwanda COVID-19 Emergency Response project also focuses on harnessing digital solutions and data analytical tools that will improve the management and containment of the COVID-19 response.  Building on the country’s strong track record on digital solutions, several innovations will be explored, including digital maps that allow to visualize the spread of the disease in real time; mobile apps for sending health messages; and telemedicine capability to allow for suspected cases to be assessed without the need for physical movements by patients.