Warden Message: Rwanda Pandemic Influenza Town Hall Meeting

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

Sub-Saharan Africa - Rwanda
October 20 2009

U.S. Embassy Kigali issued the following Warden Message on October 20:

A Town Hall meeting for U.S. citizens residing in Rwanda will be held on Thursday, October 22nd at 3:00 pm in the Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Room. The meeting will be led by the Embassy’s Pandemic Influenza Action Committee and will focus on the U.S. government’s policy and response to H1N1 influenza as well as individual preparedness.

2009-H1N1 influenza, sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu, has been confirmed in Rwanda. The Rwandan Ministry of Health confirmed 14 cases on October 12, 2009 after initially confirming the first 4 cases in Rwanda on October 9, 2009. There are presently 38 laboratory cases confirmed. Rwandan authorities have activated their response group, are closely monitoring the situation, and are preparing for emergencies.

No RSVP is required to attend the town hall meeting. U.S. citizens and their immediate family members will be admitted at the Embassy’s main entrance with proper photo identification (passport or identity card).

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Rwanda are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy. Registration is important; it allows the Embassy and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.

The Embassy is located at 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. [250] (252) 596-400; fax: [250] (252) 596-591. The Embassy’s website is http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/. The consular section’s email address is consularkigali@state.gov. American Citizens Services hours are Tuesdays from 09:00 to 17:00 and Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00, except for U.S. and Rwandan holidays. For after-hours emergencies, please call [250] (078)830-0345.