In a swift and coordinated effort to combat the Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO) has airlifted 1.4 tonnes of essential medical supplies to the East African nation. This move, which took place on Saturday, aims to assist in managing the outbreak that has affected the northwestern region of Tanzania, specifically the Kagera region. The supplies, which were shipped from the WHO Regional Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, to Bukoba in Kagera, will be crucial for patient management and infection control.
The airlifted medical supplies come after the announcement of the second outbreak of MVD in Tanzania. On Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed that the Marburg virus had resurfaced in Biharamulo district, part of the Kagera region. This confirmation followed laboratory tests conducted at the Kabaile mobile laboratory, which were later verified in Dar es Salaam. The authorities are taking immediate action to contain the spread of the virus and safeguard public health.
The WHO’s emergency response is part of a larger initiative to support Tanzania in managing the crisis. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed strong solidarity with the Tanzanian government, pledging continued assistance in tackling the outbreak. As part of the ongoing support, WHO is releasing $3 million from its contingency emergency fund, which builds upon the $50,000 already contributed to support initial investigations and response efforts.
Tedros praised Tanzania’s preparedness and response measures, highlighting the significant improvements the country has made since the first MVD outbreak two years ago. In particular, he acknowledged the country’s progress in enhancing its detection capabilities, setting up treatment centers, acquiring mobile laboratories for sample testing, and deploying national response teams to affected areas. These proactive steps have been critical in strengthening the country’s resilience against infectious disease outbreaks.
The WHO also reported a tragic death toll from the ongoing MVD outbreak. On January 15, it was confirmed that eight people had died in the Kagera region due to suspected Marburg infections. The virus, which is similar to Ebola, is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in communities, posing a significant threat to public health. In light of the potential for further transmission, the WHO has issued a warning about the high risk of the disease spreading both within Tanzania and across neighboring regions.
Marburg virus disease is a viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, with fever, chills, and headache, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals, particularly fruit bats, which are believed to be natural hosts of the virus.
As the Tanzanian government and international partners work together to curb the spread of MVD, the airlifted medical supplies from the WHO are expected to play a critical role in patient care and controlling the outbreak. The WHO’s efforts underscore the importance of global solidarity in the face of health emergencies and the ongoing fight against emerging infectious diseases.
The WHO’s continued support will be pivotal as Tanzania navigates this challenging moment, with the hopes of containing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life. As the situation evolves, Tanzania’s preparedness and response strategies, backed by international support, will be key to bringing this outbreak under control.
