University helps local community to fight the coronavirus

Mount Kenya University, Rwanda, has taken on the mass-production of hand sanitisers for the use of its staff and students and for donation to local communities.

On 22 April the university handed over 10,000 litres of the hand sanitiser to officials of the Kicukiro district.

According to Professor Edwin Odhuno, the vice-chancellor of Mount Kenya University (MKU) Rwanda, the school of health sciences has developed the antimicrobial hand sanitiser.

MKU Rwanda is a subsidiary of Mount Kenya University. It was established in Rwanda in 2010 and has a strong medical focus.

According to Odhuno, the donation is to support the government’s efforts to quell the spread of COVID-19 and to support local communities.

“As a university, we thought it wise to protect ourselves and to ensure that members of the local community have access to hand sanitisers. We have to share our knowledge to ensure the general health and well-being of members of the community,” Odhuno said.

Ongoing commitment to COVID-19 research

According to MKU Rwanda officials, this is the university’s second donation of hand sanitisers to the city of Kigali.

“Initially, we produced more than 50,000 litres that we used in the university and other places in Kigali,” said Odhuno.

He expressed MKU Rwanda’s commitment to continue conducting research on the virus and related aspects to find solutions for local communities and the general public.

According to Solange Umutesi, the executive administrator for the Kicukiro district, the donation was long overdue and would make a welcome contribution towards the fight against the pandemic.

She said the donation would benefit members of the community, especially those in public places such as schools, markets, shops and bus parks.

“Combating COVID-19 requires sensitising people but there is a need for the financial capacity to buy hygiene materials such as hand sanitisers,” she said.

Additional strategies for combating the virus

University officials said a technology-based registration method for contact-tracing of those entering the campus is in place. The university has about 3,000 students.

The ministry of education has ordered universities to set up hand-washing stations at all campus entrances and to ensure social distancing in classrooms and other public places.

According to MKU Rwanda officials, the university has expanded classrooms to avoid congestion. Smart TVs are used to stream courses for virtual classes.

A room has been set aside for the immediate isolation of anyone who tests positive for COVID-19. A trained nurse is ready with first aid support for those who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.