Rwanda's containment of Marburg Virus an exemplary partnership in action

The World Health Organization has lauded Rwanda's successful containment of the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak last year, achieving the lowest case fatality rate of 22.7 percent among Marburg outbreaks in Africa, terming it as a testament to the power of strong, coordinated partnerships.

Led by Rwanda's Ministry of Health and supported by WHO, the European Union Humanitarian Aid, The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and other partners, the collaborative response demonstrated how strategic collaboration can transform a potential crisis into a controlled and timely response.

The collaborative efforts enabled swift mobilization and deployment of relevant specialized teams, the procurement and distribution of critical supplies, and the rapid capacity building of frontline workers and other health professionals, all within days of confirmation of the outbreak.

At the request of the Ministry of Health, WHO mobilized a diverse group of highly renowned technical experts to bolster Rwanda's response across several critical areas including coordination, surveillance, laboratory operations, clinical case management, mental health and psychosocial support, logistics, risk communication and community engagement.

Additionally, 39 professionals from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Uganda with experience in successfully managing filovirus outbreaks, were brought in to assist Rwandan teams.

"This deployment exemplified the power of South-to-South collaboration. Regional solidarity, shared experience, and cultural familiarity enabled swift, effective and contextually appropriate responses—offering a compelling model for future emergency preparedness and response efforts across Africa and beyond," WHO said.

Rwanda's Ministry of Health also implemented extensive training initiatives for healthcare workers across all levels of the health system—from specialized hospitals and district hospitals to community health centers, points of entry, and the broader community.

"This experience underscores the critical importance of continued investment in health security, preparedness, and resilience," WHO said.

"As Rwanda builds on the lessons learned and strengthens its public health systems, the Marburg response stands as both a national achievement and a regional model for collective action in the face of future infectious disease threats."

The outbreak was first reported in the country in September 2024 following investigations into a cluster of unexplained illnesses and deaths in Kigali.

edithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn