USAID Donates Vehicles To Rwanda For COVID-19 Tracking and Tracing

KIGALI – On October 08, 2020, the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated three 4×4 motor vehicles to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) for the use of tracking and tracing contacts of those exposed to COVID-19. These vehicles, which were requested by the Government of Rwanda, will allow Rwanda to conduct more and faster tracking and tracing than is currently possible; and represents the continued partnership of the United States Government in the fight against COVID-19.

The vehicles were officially handed over to Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center, by Peter Vrooman, U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda, at RBC headquarters. During the handover, Ambassador Vrooman remarked in Kinyarwanda, “Nk’uko nabivuze mbere: ubuzima bwacu n’ubuzima bwanyu. Kandi ubuzima bwanyu n’ubuzima bwacu. Ariko na none uyu munsi, turavuga ko: ‘Imodoka zacu n’imodoka zanyu!’” he said.

Today’s donation of vehicles builds on over 8  billion RWF the United States Government has already invested in  fighting COVID-19 in Rwanda. Through USAID, the United States Government has donated 100 ventilators, thousands of sets of high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), such as boots and masks, and billions of RWF worth of needed equipment including hospital beds, sanitizer, and other critical equipment for COVID-19 treatment centers.

The United States Government is a proud partner in the fight against COVID-19, and commends Rwanda for the leadership and progress it has made against the pandemic to date. The slower rates of increase in COVID-19 is attributable to sound strategies and firm commitment, along with the steadfast partnership of allies, including the United States.