The Role of Smart Technology in managing Infectious Diseases in the Developing World. The Case of Covid-19 Pandemic in Kigali City - Rwanda

This study examines the effectiveness of smart technology in managing the Covid-19 pandemic in Kigali City - Rwanda. Data were collected through interviews by the use of structured questionnaires addressed to 4 administrative officers in the health sector. Also, 32 out 96 residents were randomly selected in each district. Results have shown that Drones (UAVs) were more used by 95% as opposed to Robots and cameras to warn and inform the community to take precautions. In addition, they were used to distribute medical items whereby 500,000 face masks and 1,000,000 gloves were distributed. Also, 43,379 blood samples were collected; other light medical equipment were transported by drones within the city within a period of 3 months saving 158 out of 287 people who had been affected. Limited finance, lack of qualified and skilled personnel to operate drones and robots during these times jeopardized the effectiveness of smart technology. We conclude that the use of smart technology should be a national agenda to improve management of pandemics. This aligns with training of community to handle health crisis during and even after the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, the establishment of the department for innovative ideas to fight current and future pandemics is inevitable. Keywords: Smart Technology; Covid-19; Developing World; Kigali City