As schools in Rwanda gear up for reopening on Monday, September 9, administrators across the country are taking decisive steps to prevent the spread of Monkeypox (Mpox) among students.

After lessons learned from past pandemics like COVID-19, schools are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment, with a focus on hygiene, awareness, and close monitoring.

As one approaches the entrance of Camp Kigali Primary and Secondary School, it is clear that the school is prepared for reopening amidst the threat of Mpox.

The first thing that stood out, as observed by The New Times end this week, was the six hand-washing stations, neatly arranged at the gate. The stations were spaced just a few feet apart, the distance between them ensuring that students will clean their hands without crowding.

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At the stations, liquid soap is availed in a small container. In addition to that, there was a corona virus poster that reminded students to wash their hands thoroughly before entering the school grounds. The old poster will be turned into an Mpox poster.

Rwema Daniel, the Discipline Master at Camp Kigali Primary and Secondary School, emphasized the importance of cleanliness as the frontline defence against the virus.

"This epidemic is terrifying, especially in a school that accommodates nearly 4,000 people. The most effective method to fight the spread of Mpox is through cleanliness. We have set up washing stations at the entrance, where everyone must wash their hands before entering the school," he said.

He noted that, although there are challenges in ensuring everyone complies, the school is committed to raising awareness among students when they return to school next week.

"Our students are our top priority. They are the most vulnerable group, and we are ready to educate them about the virus and the importance of keeping clean.”

Headmasters across the country have been actively involved in district-level meetings focused on preventing the spread of the Mpox virus. With critical knowledge gained about transmission, symptoms, and prevention, the school leaders are putting measures in place to ensure student safety.

Joseph Mushyikirano, the headmaster at GS Mayange in Bugesera District, said that the knowledge they were given is crucial as schools reopen, and they are focused on awareness-raising and prevention.

"We are ready to inform students and their parents about the virus as soon as they arrive at school. We are ready to emphasize the importance of avoiding physical contact, keeping a safe distance, and being cautious with sharing body fluids, especially as Mpox can spread through saliva and even protected sexual contact,” he said.

Mushyikirano also noted that his school has implemented a series of key preventive measures.

"A task force has been established to observe students upon their arrival at school, checking for any visible signs of infection. We have designated rooms for isolating students who show symptoms until they receive healthcare services. And, of course, cleanliness remains a top priority. We have installed tippy tap hand-washing stations throughout the school, and students will be encouraged to wash their hands frequently.”

This is not the first time schools have faced such challenges. Drawing on experiences from COVID-19, schools are equipped to handle health crises.

"In the past, we focused on checking temperatures during the pandemic, but Mpox presents with visible symptoms, making it easier to identify. No special tools are required for screening, just the knowledge we have shared with teachers during training sessions," Mushyikirano added.

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Vestina Umuringa, a headmaster at New Hope Academy in Nyagatare District, explained that his school is equipped with emergency rooms for isolating students who show symptoms while waiting for further medical care.

"In addition to that and the washing area, we have stocked sanitizers in large quantities and are fully prepared to fight Mpox when the students return.”

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The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has urged schools to follow specific guidelines to prevent the spread of Mpox. RBC’s guidelines aim at educating learners on avoiding infection and recognising symptoms early.

Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals. RBC has encouraged students to ask their teachers for information and explanations about Mpox to ensure they are well-informed.

Learners were also told to maintain good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with clean water and soap.

Additionally, students are advised to stay away from anyone displaying symptoms of Mpox which include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often starts as flat sores and develops into pus-filled blisters.