The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken swift action to support Tanzania in its fight against a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in the northwestern part of the country. On Saturday, the WHO airlifted 1.4 tonnes of medical commodities and supplies to assist with patient management and infection control efforts. The supplies were dispatched from the WHO Regional Emergency Response Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, and delivered to Bukoba in the Kagera region, where the outbreak has been reported.
The response follows the confirmation of the second MVD outbreak in Tanzania by the country’s President. The outbreak was identified in the Biharamulo district of Kagera, where laboratory tests conducted at a mobile facility confirmed the presence of the virus. The results were later verified in Dar es Salaam, solidifying the need for an immediate and coordinated response.
To bolster Tanzania’s efforts, the WHO Director-General pledged significant financial and logistical support. This includes releasing 3 million U.S. dollars from the organization’s contingency funds for emergencies. This contribution is in addition to the initial 50,000 U.S. dollars provided to support preliminary investigations. The WHO has also committed to ongoing assistance in managing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
Since the first reported outbreak of MVD in Tanzania two years ago, the country has made significant strides in its preparedness and response capabilities. Detection measures have been enhanced, treatment centers have been established, and mobile laboratories have been deployed to facilitate rapid testing. National response teams have also been mobilized to address the challenges posed by the virus.
The current outbreak has raised concerns about the potential for further spread within the country and the broader region. The WHO has classified the risk as high, emphasizing the need for robust containment measures. The organization has been working closely with Tanzanian authorities to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The Marburg virus, a highly infectious pathogen from the same family as the Ebola virus, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals, such as fruit bats. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. There is no specific treatment for MVD, but supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of specific symptoms, can improve survival rates.
In light of the outbreak, public health measures have been intensified in the affected regions. Health workers are being trained in infection prevention and control, and awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate communities about the disease and how to reduce the risk of transmission. Surveillance efforts have also been scaled up to identify and isolate cases promptly.
The WHO has emphasized the importance of international solidarity in combating outbreaks of diseases like MVD. The organization’s timely intervention highlights the critical role of global health partnerships in addressing public health emergencies. By providing resources, expertise, and financial support, the WHO aims to help Tanzania bring the outbreak under control and prevent further loss of life.
The current situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and investment in health systems to respond effectively to emerging infectious diseases. Tanzania’s proactive measures and the support from international partners like the WHO serve as a testament to the importance of preparedness and collaboration in safeguarding public health. As efforts to contain the outbreak continue, the focus remains on preventing further infections and mitigating the impact of this deadly disease.
