In a statement posted on its Twitter account, the East African country's Health Ministry said the devices would help minimise the risk of coronavirus transmissions among healthcare workers.

The Ministry of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and Innovation, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, handed over the machines during a ceremony at Rwanda's Kanyinya treatment centre.

"These robots will fasten service delivery while protecting our valuable health workers against Covid-19 exposure," Health Minister Dr Daniel Ngamije said.

"It is exciting to see different institutions join hands to seek solutions to address Covid-19. It is yet another milestone in the use of technology to enhance health in Rwanda."

The Smart Anti- Epidemic robots, which have been given the local names Akazuba, Ikizere, Mwiza, Ngabo and Urumuri, will be used mainly for mass temperature screening, monitoring patients' statuses and maintaining the medical records of Covid-19 patients, the health ministry said.

"These high-tech robots have the capacity to screen 50 to 150 people per minute, deliver food and medication to patient rooms, capture data and notify officers on duty about detected abnormalities," it added.

ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire said the infectious nature of Covid-19 called for technological innovations to tackle the pandemic.

"This is why Rwanda has introduced robots and drones among other high-tech initiatives to enhance efficiency in the fight," she said.

UNDP representative Stephen Rodriques lauded what he called Rwanda’s appetite for innovation, saying he looked forward to seeing the work the robots could do.

"Today marks another watershed moment in terms of innovation in Rwanda, and I am very proud that our team is part of this historical moment," he said.

Rwanda has recorded 320 cases of Covid-19, with no related fatalities to date while 217 people have recovered, according to the health ministry.

African News Agency (ANA)