Burundi has this July 6, 2020 launched a campaign for a mass testing of Coronavirus in Bujumbura province that was mainly affected by the pandemic since January.
Thaddée Ndikumana Burundi’s health minister while launching the campaign in Bujumbura said that three centers were established in Bujumbura for mass tests that included Kamenge center in Ntahangwa Commune, Source du Nil for Mukaza commune and Kanyosha parish for residents living in Muha commune.
“Mass tests will be done in a period of three months where by the results of those tested will be delivered within 24 hours,” said Burundi’s health minister Thaddée Ndikumana.
According to the Burundian government the number of citizens who turned up for testing surpassed the expectations as the targeted daily number of tests was estimated at 250, however by Monday midday the number of people who tested for the virus had exceeded 400.
Critics said that Burundi Government’s policy wasn’t enough to address and control the spread of the virus, which was coupled by the expulsion of World Health Organisation officials after being declared persona non grata on the territory in mid-May.
According to Mr Ndikumana since March, 2020 almost 3000 people were tested for Coronavirus with over 190 people testing positive.
118 were said to have recovered and discharged from the hospital while active cases stands at 72 with one fatality.
On July 2, 2020 Burundi recorded 24 COVID-19 positive cases which took the tally to 194 with one death.
Residents in Bujumbura this morning gathered at the three temporary testing centers waiting to be tested for corona virus, “I heard the announcement at my church. Despite measures I took on my own I wanted to know my health status so as to take appropriate measures before it is late,” said Jacques Nimubona a volunteer in one of the testing centres.
The ministry of health said that trained technical teams will be sent to other provinces countrywide by next week to conduct COVID-19 tests, “since the testing is expensive because a single test costs 800,000 ($400) this money will be paid by the Burundi Government,” said Burundi’s health minister.
In efforts to combat the pandemic in Burundi, the government via its ministry of public health was granted this July 4, 2020 healthcare kits worth $530,000 by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) including 3 ventilators, 14 million masks, 6 vehicles and other equipment.