To support the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and AFENET with the funding of the WHO, we conducted two Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Training-of-Trainers (ToT) sessions the Kirinda Health District, engaging 25 participants.
EBS focuses on addressing critical surveillance gaps by facilitating the swift collection, reporting, and analysis of unstructured data related to potential health threats. This process supports timely action and interventions. By strengthening Rwanda’s ability to detect and respond to emerging health risks, including recent concerns like Mpox and the Marburg virus, EBS is making a significant contribution to public health readiness.
A series of training, mentorship, and supervisory programs are currently underway in district hospitals and local communities. These initiatives, backed by our team, are geared towards ensuring the effective integration and execution of EBS throughout Rwanda’s public health system.
The successful rollout of EBS in Rwanda relies on the concerted efforts of various stakeholders. Each partner plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient surveillance, early identification, accurate reporting, and quick responses, ultimately fortifying the nation’s health security.
The One Health Approach for Conservation (OHAC) – Gorilla Health has played a pivotal role in early warning and response through advanced surveillance tools. It has also facilitated the identification of key areas for sustainable collaboration in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and response strategies.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the World Health Organization for their support in the EBS Training of Trainers (ToT), which reinforces integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health. This training aligns with the recommendations of OHAC – Gorilla Health, ensuring a unified and proactive approach. We also thanks to UNICEF for their generous support in equipping health personnel in Rwanda with iPads.
One Health in Practice
“I continue my work by training both current and future health professionals in Rwanda on the One Health Approach—building capacity for outbreak investigation and delivering training to empower community health workers to report early, helping to manage and contain any public health threats.”
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