294 Police officers attached to Kicukiro, Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts were on November 8 given basic knowledge and skills in investigating and handling people diagnosed or suspected of having entered into contact with a person suspected of having Ebola symptoms.

The exercise was conducted concurrently in the three districts and at the Rwanda National Police headquarters in Kacyiru. They are part of the 1,300 that will benefit from the same training.

The training is part of Rwanda’s preparedness to respond to the dreadful virus which has so far killed more than 5,000 people in West Africa.

The training focused on traceability and health investigative skills in Ebola morbidity suspicion and were also equipped with skills on how to dispatch suspected patients to hospitals.

The Ministry of Health established a specialised unit of medical experts at Remera-Mbogo hospital in Rulindo district where suspected patients will be transferred. 

Senior Supt. Dr. Emmanuel Nsabayezu, who is part of the medical team in charge epidemics, explained to the officers at Kacyiru how the virus is contracted and its signs.

The symptoms include fever, severe headache muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal (stomach) pain and unusual hemorrhage or bleeding.

It is spread mainly through physical contacts and body fluids.

"Ensuring security includes ensuring the health of the people. So we need to be prepared to respond to contain the situation if Ebola breaks out in Rwanda,” Nsabayezu said.