Kigali International Airport (KIA) has strengthened disease surveillance by installing a hi-tech thermal imaging equipment that will help in detection of Ebola at the country’s main air entry point. Tony Barigye, the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority head of communications, said the Rwf36 million equipment that uses thermal imaging technology will replace the hand-held gadgets and ensure efficiency at the airport. 

"We want to improve measures that will counter any threat posed by Ebola to ensure the safety of Rwandans and passengers,” Barigye said.

There are still pockets of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa (Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone).

KIA handled over half a million passengers last year, which is expected to almost double this year.

Welcome intervention

Patrick Musabyeyezu, a frequent traveler, said the intervention is a timely measure that will protect Rwandans and air passenger. "It could also play a big role in boosting confidence especially among tourists who are travelling to Rwanda.”

Rwanda has not had any cases of Ebola since its outbreak in West Africa.

How it works

On arrival, passengers will be required to stand in front of a camera that transmits their body temperature to a computer to detect the variation.

The operator is able to detect an Ebola carrier depending on the variations. In all, the equipment works like an x-ray machine, but uses temperature thermal imaging technology.