By Faith Nyasuguta
Rwanda has reduced the cost of a Covid-19 rapid test from $9.9 to $5 effective August 9.
The move by the government comes after the members of the public indicated that the original price was prohibitive.
It is also set to encourage more people to get Covid-19 tests done in good time.
Presently, the rapid test is only charged when voluntarily done but it is free for symptomatic patients and their contacts.
In Rwanda, PCR tests that give results within two days cost $50 in Rwanda, $60-$80 in Kenya and around $65 in Uganda.
The prices often vary depending on what testing center an interested party visits.
The Rwanda Biomedical center via a statement noted that it will announce the private clinics and hospitals accredited to run the tests.
By August 2, the country had done a total of 2,083,439 Covid-19 tests.
Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, the Director-General of Rwanda Biomedical Center announced that Rwanda will soon assess a one-minute self-testing device that will ensure accessibility and convenience of Covid-19 testing.
In June, the East African nation experienced a sudden rise in Covid-19 cases that triggered a 15-day lockdown between July 17 and 31. The rise has been blamed on the Delta variant.
Rwanda has fully vaccinated some 455,673 people whereas 3,238 have already received their first dose.
