World Vision Rwanda in partnership with the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) and UNHCR, has stepped up efforts in supporting the vulnerable children and communities at the refugee camps in preventive measures against COVID-19.

The humanitarian organization supports over 93,000 refugees at the camps of Mahama, Mugombwa, Kigeme and Gashora as well as at Gatore and Nyanza Reception Centres and at the Kijote transit centre with provision of wash services, such as water supply, enhancing sanitation facilities and promotion of hygiene focusing on prevention of COVID-19.

World Vision also set up hand washing facilities in all camps and transit centres and uses behaviour change communications to sensitise and teach the children and communities in the refugee camps on precautionary measures against the virus.

"It is in times like these that World Vision increases efforts to support vulnerable children and their communities to ensure their safety and well-being,” said the National Director of World Vision Rwanda, Mr. Sean Kerrigan. "We do this through strategic partnerships and in collaboration with the government to be able to put forward a consolidated effort to support the most vulnerable” Sean added.

12-year-old Gaelle Mushikiwase has been living in Kigeme Refugee Camp ever since her family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo when she was 4 years. She says that the need for water facilities in the camps is very essential especially during this fear of the coronavirus.

"I am able to wash my hands as often as we are told to do so because of the easy access to water facilities,” said Gaelle. "Without a nearby source of water it is hard to maintain even the most basic standards of hygiene,” she added.

Gaelle and her family are among the 1.5 million people – the majority of whom are vulnerable children, who are supported by World Vision to get access to education services, clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, health and nutrition support as well as economic support.