The machines were donated by the French diagnostics company bioMérieux through its partnership with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and the Rwanda Medical Supply (RMS).
The donation includes four BioFire Torch systems, their accessories, and diagnostic testing kits capable of detecting a wide range of infectious diseases, including Ebola, Marburg, and several other viral and bacterial pathogens.
The new equipment has been deployed to Gihundwe District Hospital, Rwamagana Provincial Hospital, Gisenyi District Hospital, and the National Reference Laboratory at RBC. The goal is to enable healthcare workers to quickly test suspected cases, particularly among travelers at border points and in areas considered at high risk for disease outbreaks.
Speaking during the handover, Dr. Isabelle Mukagatare, Head of Health Services at RBC, said that although Rwanda has not recorded any Ebola cases, preparedness remains a national priority due to recurring outbreaks in neighboring countries.
“These four BioFire machines will significantly strengthen our preparedness for Ebola. The fact that Rwanda has not experienced an Ebola outbreak does not mean we should stop preparing. Anyone presenting symptoms associated with the disease must be tested immediately,” she said.
Dr. Mukagatare noted that Rwanda already possesses laboratory equipment that was used during the country’s response to the Marburg virus outbreak, but the newly donated machines will further expand testing capacity and reflect the confidence international partners have in Rwanda’s public health system.
She added that Rwanda’s effective management of previous outbreaks and its responsible use of donated medical equipment encouraged partners to provide additional support.
One of the biggest advantages of the BioFire Torch platform is its speed. While conventional laboratory testing can take between four and six hours, the new machines are capable of delivering results in less than one hour.
The systems also simplify the testing process by requiring fewer laboratory procedures, making them easier and faster for healthcare professionals to operate. However, officials noted that some test results may still require confirmation through additional laboratory methods.
RMS Deputy Director General Diana Mutoni said the donation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in strengthening Rwanda’s healthcare system.
Meanwhile, Marc Haribou, Vice President for Africa at bioMérieux, said the company remains committed to working with African health authorities to expand access to advanced diagnostic technologies where they are needed most.
He said the initiative is aimed at enabling countries to detect outbreaks early, respond more quickly, and better prepare for future public health emergencies.
The four BioFire Torch machines follow the recent donation of seven additional diagnostic systems to Rwanda through the same partnership. Those machines are being used to test blood-related diseases in hospitals across the country, further enhancing laboratory capacity nationwide.
Courtesy of IGIHE
