WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros praises Rwanda’s response to Marburg virus Outbreak

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his admiration for Rwanda’s swift and effective response to the Marburg virus outbreak that emerged in late September 2024.

During his visit to Rwanda, which began on Saturday, October 19, Dr. Tedros held discussions with Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and toured medical facilities, including the WHO Rwanda office.

In his meeting with Dr. Nsanzimana, Dr. Tedros commended the Rwandan government for its timely measures to control the spread of the deadly virus, particularly among healthcare workers who were most affected.

He highlighted the exceptional steps taken to protect frontline workers and prevent further infections through comprehensive contact tracing and surveillance efforts aimed at identifying those exposed to the virus.

Dr. Tedros’ visit came at a time when the number of recovered Marburg patients in Rwanda far surpassed the fatalities, a significant milestone for the country’s health sector.

The Ministry of Health reported that 44 people have recovered from the virus, while 15, mostly healthcare workers, have succumbed to the disease. Currently, only three patients remain under treatment, and 1,070 high-risk individuals have been vaccinated.

In total, 62 cases of Marburg have been confirmed in Rwanda out of 4,715 tests conducted since the outbreak was declared.

All confirmed cases were isolated and treated in hospitals in Kigali, the nation’s capital, with no further spread beyond the identified contacts.

Dr. Tedros’ visit marked his return to Rwanda after two years, following his participation in the inauguration of the BioNTech vaccine manufacturing facility alongside President Paul Kagame.

During his recent visit, Dr. Tedros lauded the professionalism of Rwanda’s healthcare workers, particularly their commitment to caring for colleagues infected with the virus.

As part of his itinerary, Dr. Tedros and Dr. Nsanzimana visited the Baho Marburg Treatment Center, where doctors continue to treat healthcare workers who contracted the virus. Dr. Tedros reassured Rwanda of WHO’s ongoing support in the country’s fight to completely eradicate the Marburg virus.

Dr. Tedros also expressed his enthusiasm over revisiting the BioNTech facility, which he helped inaugurate two years ago, and noted that it has bolstered confidence in local production of vaccines and medicines across Africa.

He revealed that the facility could begin vaccine production as early as 2025, which would be a significant step in strengthening Africa’s health resilience.

This visit further solidified Rwanda’s position as a leader in health innovation and preparedness on the continent, particularly in responding to highly infectious diseases like the Marburg virus.