Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has praised Rwanda’s efforts in controlling the Marburg virus outbreak during his meeting with Rwandan officials, including Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.
The discussions took place after Dr. Tedros’s arrival in Rwanda yesterday, signaling the international community’s commitment to supporting the nation during this public health crisis.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the significant progress made, particularly noting the remarkable decline in cases and the report of zero new infections or deaths in recent days. He commended the Rwandan Ministry of Health, partners, and health personnel for their dedication and effectiveness in containing the virus’s transmission.
During his visit, Dr. Tedros visited the National Command Post, where he met with the teams leading the fight against the Marburg virus.
He also highlighted the importance of contact tracing as a vital component of their successful response. “The Minister and I agreed that our focus must remain to bring the outbreak to an end,” he added.
The WHO has been closely collaborating with the Rwandan government since the outbreak was first reported, providing technical assistance and resources to support containment efforts. As of October 18, 2024, Rwanda has reported a total of 62 confirmed cases of Marburg virus, with 15 fatalities and 44 recoveries. The recent data indicates a stabilization of the situation, with no evidence of community transmission.
Dr. Tedros assured Minister Nsanzimana of WHO’s continued partnership and support in the ongoing response. “Together, we can strengthen our efforts to ensure the outbreak is fully contained, and I welcome the commitment shown by Rwanda in this regard,” he stated.
Dr. Tedros is scheduled to address journalists tomorrow in a press conference, where he will likely share further insights on the situation and the collaborative efforts between WHO and Rwanda.
After the meeting this afternoon, Dr Nsanzimana thanked Dr. Tedros’ support. “We appreciate WHO support in the response to this outbreak. Together we will put an end to Marburg virus soon.”
As the country continues its fight against the Marburg virus, health authorities emphasize the importance of community engagement and adherence to preventive measures to avoid future outbreaks.
The commitment from both the Rwandan government and the WHO aims to ensure the health and safety of the population while building resilience against similar health threats in the future.
