Health

Healthcare professionals from across the EAC Partner States recently convened in Mwanza, Tanzania, for an intensive Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training. Organised by the EAC Secretariat through the GIZ-supported Pandemic Preparedness Project, the training aimed to enhance regional capacity to respond to outbreaks in Marburg, Ebola, and Mpox.

The training was initiated following a request from Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) for emergency support in response to the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak. Over 60 healthcare professionals from FBO-based health facilities, along with health experts from the Ministries of Health in Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan, participated in the programme, which was conducted in collaboration with the German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG) and Africa CDC.

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The Government of Tanzania has officially declared the end of the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Kagera Region, following 42 days without any new reported cases.

Health Minister Jenista Mhagama made the announcement on March 13, 2025 in Biharamulo District, Kagera Region, stating that the country has met the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for declaring the end of an outbreak. The last confirmed MVD case was reported on January 28, 2025.

The outbreak, which was first declared by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on January 20, 2025, saw two confirmed cases, both of whom tragically lost their lives while receiving treatment. Marburg Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness, transmitted through direct contact with body fluids of an infected person.

Minister Mhagama commended the swift and coordinated response led by the government in collaboration with various stakeholders, including healthcare workers, social welfare officers, nutritionists, and community health workers. She acknowledged the technical and financial contributions from local and international partners, as well as the dedicated efforts of responders at all levels.

Special recognition was given to the Ministry of Health’s technical team, led by Permanent Secretary Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, along with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe and officials from regional and district health authorities.

Despite successfully containing the outbreak, the Minister urged Tanzanians to remain vigilant against infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygiene practices such as handwashing and promptly reporting any unusual health events. She warned that Tanzania remains at risk of other highly infectious diseases, including Ebola, which has been reported in neighboring countries, and Mpox, which has also affected Tanzania recently.

"The government will continue taking all necessary measures to protect its citizens and the international community from health threats," Minister Mhagama assured.

Citizens are encouraged to report any health concerns through the toll-free hotline 199 or by visiting the nearest health facility.

Read more: 

Tanzania Government Statement on Declaration of End of Marburg Outbreak In Kagera Region, Biharamulo District

WHO welcomes end of Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania

Traditional healers join Tanzania’s Marburg response

Uganda is currently grappling with a new cluster of Ebola cases, as reported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on March 6, 2025. This recent development includes three confirmed and two probable cases, spanning five districts. Since the outbreak's onset in January, the total number of cases has risen to 14, with two confirmed fatalities. 

The outbreak was initially declared following the death of a male nurse in Kampala. Subsequently, a four-year-old child also succumbed to the virus. Notably, the new cluster does not have a direct epidemiological link to the initial group of nine cases, indicating possible new transmission chains. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the increase in cases and is actively supporting Uganda's response efforts. This includes deploying experts, providing training in contact tracing, testing, patient care, and delivering essential medical supplies. 

In response to the outbreak, the United Nations has launched an emergency appeal for $11.2 million to support Uganda's efforts in containing the virus and mitigating its socio-economic impact across seven high-risk districts. 

Currently, there are no approved vaccines for the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus responsible for this outbreak. However, Uganda has initiated a trial vaccination program to assess potential candidates. 

Efforts are being intensified to monitor and trace contacts, and communities are being engaged to enhance public awareness and encourage early reporting of symptoms. Despite these measures, challenges remain, particularly in surveillance and contact tracing, as evidenced by the recent cases without clear links to known contacts. 

Uganda has a history of effectively managing Ebola outbreaks, including the 2022 outbreak that resulted in 55 deaths out of 143 infected individuals. The experience and systems built from past outbreaks are being leveraged to address the current situation. 

In February Uganda had announced that all eight patients who had been hospitalized for treatment have been discharged after testing negative twice for the virus in tests conducted 72 hours apart. The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for Africa confirmed the development, describing it as an important step in controlling the outbreak.

The patients had been receiving treatment in the capital city, Kampala, and in Mbale. Despite their discharge, health officials continued to monitor 216 to 265 individuals who remained in quarantine due to potential exposure. Uganda’s Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, confirmed the recovery of the eight patients and urged communities to welcome them without stigma.  If no new cases had been confirmed in the next 42 days, the outbreak could have been declared over.
 

Recent developments in Uganda's Ebola outbreak from the media:

The ebola outbreak poses a challenge for health workers in Uganda to contain

UN appeals for funds to help contain Uganda Ebola outbreak

About Ebola

Ebola: Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control 

The Tanzanian Ministry of Health has confirmed two cases of Mpox (Monkeypox) in the country. In a public statement released on March 10, 2025, the Ministry detailed that on March 7, 2025, it received reports of individuals exhibiting symptoms such as facial, hand, foot, and body rashes, accompanied by fever, headaches, sore throat, and muscle and back pain. Among these individuals was a truck driver who had travelled from a neighbouring country to Dar es Salaam. Laboratory tests conducted on March 9, 2025, confirmed that two individuals were infected with the Mpox virus.

In response, the Ministry, in collaboration with the President's Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) and all health service centers, is actively monitoring, investigating, and identifying any additional suspected cases to provide appropriate care. Mpox is primarily transmitted from animals, particularly primates, to humans through direct contact with infected animals, their fluids, or meat. Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact.

The Ministry advises the public to take the following preventive measures:

Seek immediate medical attention at health facilities upon noticing any Mpox symptoms or call the toll-free number 199.

Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing and bedding with individuals showing Mpox symptoms.

Refrain from physical contact, including handshakes, kissing, hugging, or sexual intercourse, with symptomatic individuals.

Avoid contact with bodily fluids of those exhibiting Mpox symptoms.

Do not care for individuals with Mpox symptoms without taking necessary precautions.

Health workers should consistently adhere to infection prevention protocols when treating patients, especially those with rashes and fever.

Regularly wash hands with running water and soap or use hand sanitizers.

The Ministry assures the public that the government is prepared to control the spread of Mpox, leveraging its experience in managing outbreak diseases. Efforts are underway to strengthen disease surveillance at all levels, enhance screening at national borders, and promote public health education to empower citizens to take preventive actions.

Additionally, the Ministry provided an update on the Marburg virus outbreak, noting that as of March 10, 2025, 41 days have passed without any new cases. The public is encouraged to continue their daily activities while adhering to the recommended preventive measures against Mpox.

Links: 

Full Tanzania MoH statement . 

Mpox Overview . 

Mpox Symptoms .  

Mpox Prevention and treatment . 

In a significant milestone in Uganda's fight against the Ebola Sudan virus, all eight patients who had been hospitalized for treatment have been discharged after testing negative twice for the virus in tests conducted 72 hours apart. The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for Africa has confirmed this development, describing it as an important step in controlling the outbreak.

The patients had been receiving treatment in the capital city, Kampala, and in Mbale. Despite their discharge, health officials continue to monitor 216 to 265 individuals who remain in quarantine due to potential exposure. Uganda’s Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, confirmed the recovery of the eight patients and urged communities to welcome them without stigma.  If no new cases are confirmed in the next 42 days, the outbreak can be declared over.
 

A lower fatality rate compared to previous outbreaks

The outbreak, which began in late January, marked Uganda’s first Ebola Sudan outbreak since 2022 and the world's ninth recorded instance of the virus. Historically, Uganda has experienced eight Ebola outbreaks since the first recorded case in 2000.

The outbreak has resulted in a total of nine cases and one death, which involved the index patient, a 32-year-old male nurse who worked at a referral hospital in Kampala. The case-fatality rate (CFR) stands at 11.1%, significantly lower than previous outbreaks, where the CFR ranged between 41% and 100%.

The Sudan strain of the Ebola virus is a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain. However, Uganda responded swiftly to the outbreak by launching a trial of a candidate Ebola Sudan vaccine earlier this month.

Swift response from health authorities and partners

Uganda’s response to the outbreak has been supported by various health organizations, including the WHO, which deployed 47 experts and delivered seven tons of emergency medical supplies to aid the country’s efforts. WHO Representative in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, emphasized that while the discharge of the patients is a positive development, efforts to completely halt the outbreak are ongoing.

The WHO reiterated that the Sudan strain of Ebola is severe, typically killing at least 40% of those infected, making the lower fatality rate in this outbreak a notable success.

Sources:

WHO: Uganda discharges all eight Ebola disease patients 

CIDRAP: Remaining patients discharged in Uganda's Ebola Sudan outbreak

BBC: Uganda discharges Ebola patients

New Vision: Uganda discharges all eight Ebola patients, health minister says

Daily Monitor: Joy as 8 Ebola patients are discharged

About Ebola

Ebola: Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and control

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and key partners, has launched the world’s first vaccine trial for the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. This landmark trial, initiated just four days after the outbreak was confirmed on January 30, marks an unprecedented pace for a randomized vaccine study in an emergency setting.

Leading the trial are principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), supported by WHO and other partners. The trial aims to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan, demonstrating the impact of advanced research preparedness while ensuring strict adherence to national and international regulatory and ethical standards.

The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI, with financial backing from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also provided critical support.

Read more:

WHO:  Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda 

IAVI: First participants vaccinated with IAVI’s Ebola Sudan vaccine candidate in Uganda amid Ebola outbreak

Ebola: Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and control

East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 30th January, 2025: The East African Community (EAC) has expressed solidarity with the United Republic of Tanzania and other stakeholders following the confirmation of a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in the Kagera Region, north-western Tanzania. With two confirmed cases and 18 suspected cases reported, this marks Tanzania's second encounter with the deadly virus since the 2023 outbreak in the same region.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, praised Tanzania's leadership and the invaluable support provided by global partners in addressing the outbreak. He emphasized that such collaboration underscores the significance of unity and shared responsibility among nations during health crises.

“This outbreak highlights the importance of regional solidarity and swift action,” said Hon. Ariik, acknowledging the critical role of coordinated efforts in mitigating the impact of health emergencies.

Hon. Ariik further reaffirmed the EAC’s commitment to standing with Tanzania and all EAC Partner States in managing the current health emergency. He stressed that the EAC would continue to prioritize enhancing regional capacities to respond to such crises while strengthening collective preparedness for future threats.

Tanzania’s experience in managing the 2023 outbreak in Bukoba District, which resulted in nine cases and six fatalities, has equipped the country with critical expertise in outbreak containment. The EAC Secretariat is encouraging Partner States to share best practices and technical expertise to enhance the regional response to this outbreak.

Read more on this link .

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SVD) in Kampala following laboratory confirmation from three National Reference Laboratories. The index case, a 32-year-old male nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital, succumbed to the disease after presenting severe symptoms.

Details of the index case

The deceased, who worked at Mulago National Referral Hospital, initially exhibited fever-like symptoms and sought treatment at multiple health facilities, including Mulago, Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga, and Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Mbale City. His condition deteriorated, leading to unexplained bleeding from multiple body sites, multi-organ failure, and ultimately death on January 29, 2025. Post-mortem tests confirmed the presence of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease.

Government response and preventive measures

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has taken swift action to contain the outbreak:

Incident management team activated: Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga to monitor and control the situation.

Contact tracing underway: A total of 44 contacts have been identified, including 30 health workers and patients from Mulago, 11 family members of the deceased, and four health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital.

Safe burial practices: The deceased will be accorded a safe and dignified burial to prevent further transmission.

Vaccination rollout: Immediate vaccination of all identified contacts is set to commence to curb the spread of the disease.

Background on Ebola in East Africa

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been a recurring threat in East Africa, with Uganda experiencing multiple outbreaks over the years. The Sudan Ebola Virus strain, which differs from the more common Zaire strain, has a high fatality rate but currently lacks an approved vaccine. The most recent outbreak in Uganda occurred in 2022, leading to significant public health interventions.

Understanding Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by viruses in the Filoviridae family. It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated surfaces, or infected animals.

Symptoms of Ebola

High fever

Severe headache

Muscle pain and weakness

Sore throat

Vomiting and diarrhea

Unexplained bleeding or bruising

Multi-organ failure in severe cases

Vaccination and treatment

While there is no approved vaccine for the Sudan strain, vaccines such as Ervebo (rVSV-ZEBOV) have proven effective against the Zaire strain. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, including:

Hydration and electrolyte balance

Oxygen therapy

Blood pressure stabilization

Experimental monoclonal antibody therapies

Prevention Measures

Avoid direct contact with infected individuals

Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Safe burial practices for deceased individuals

Public health awareness campaigns to control outbreaks

Conclusion

The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates as new developments emerge.

Also read: https://x.com/MinofHealthUG/status/1884929483209068650 

The Tanzania government plans to establish a specialized centre for epidemic disease management in Kagera, northwestern Tanzania, equipped with all essential laboratory facilities for testing high-risk pathogens. Additionally, a healthcare facility will be constructed to enhance access to medical services.

This was revealed on January 29, 2025, by the country’s Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, during his visit to the office of Kagera Regional Commissioner, Hon. Fatma Mwassa, to commend the efforts in controlling the Marburg virus outbreak in Biharamulo District, which the government says has now been contained. With two confirmed cases and 18 suspected cases reported, this marks Tanzania's second encounter with the deadly virus since the 2023 outbreak in the same region.

Dr. Mollel stated that the government recognizes the need for such a centre in Kagera due to its geographical location, as the region borders four neighbouring countries, making it vulnerable to epidemic outbreaks due to cross-border interactions.

Speaking about the healthcare facility construction, he confirmed that funds have already been allocated, and Kagera is among the priority regions. The government's current focus is on strengthening primary healthcare services.

"We need to improve our border health systems, including ensuring that we have committed personnel at all times," said Dr. Mollel. Additionally, he emphasized that the government will ensure that regional security and defense committees receive specialized health training, as they play a crucial role during public health emergencies.

Meanwhile, the minister directed the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to provide regional and district commissioners with copies of medicine distribution reports for hospitals in their respective areas to enhance accountability and monitoring.

He explained that under the current system, medical supplies are directly delivered to hospitals, making it difficult for regional or district leaders to verify medicine shortages when they arise.

 For her part, Kagera Regional Commissioner, Hon. Fatma Mwassa, expressed gratitude to the President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the swift response in allocating funds to combat the Marburg virus outbreak in the region. She urged the Ministry of Health to continue strengthening the capacity of security and defence committees, border personnel, and staff at the Bukoba and Kemondo ports to ensure efficient response during epidemic outbreaks.

Also available here: https://x.com/wizara_afyatz/status/1884658104198963472

Also read: Open configuration options

Two deaths reported as Tanzania strengthens response to Marburg outbreak

 https://rcc.eac.int/node/158 

As Tanzania grapples with Marburg Virus outbreak: What you need to know

https://rcc.eac.int/node/153 

The Government of Tanzania has intensified efforts to combat the Marburg virus outbreak, which has already claimed two lives since its declaration on January 19, 2025, by Tanzania’s President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in Biharamulo, Kagera region.

Director of Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, announced on January 24, 2025, that measures include deploying expert teams in the area to provide treatment, raise public awareness about prevention, and identify symptoms. Alongside the two deaths, 15 suspected cases have been reported, with 281 contacts under observation.

Dr. Kapologwe revealed that 191 community health workers have been trained to serve all 10,893 households in Biharamulo District. Testing facilities, medicines, and 13 isolation centers with 64 health workers have been established. “We emphasize following health guidelines, providing accurate information, and combating misinformation,” he noted.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe commended the experts’ efforts during her visit to Biharamulo, stressing the importance of public education for prevention and urging health workers to use protective gear.

During her January 25 visit to the Mobile Community Health Laboratory in Misenyi, Dr. Magembe acknowledged the support of health sector partners and outlined the government’s Marburg response plan. Priority areas include research, laboratories, sanitation facilities, transportation, treatment, and border control. 

Speaking on behalf of the WHO, Dr. Dick Chamla lauded Tanzania’s proactive use of local resources. Partners like WHO, MDH, MSF, CDC Tanzania, UNICEF, and the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation have joined the response. Dr. Magembe affirmed, “Our goal is to eradicate this disease entirely. Let’s collaborate, and we assure you that resources will be used effectively.”

On January 26, she inspected the Kagera Regional Referral Hospital, expressing satisfaction with specialist care improvements that have eased the burden on local residents.

Read more:

As Tanzania grapples with Marburg Virus outbreak: What you need to know https://rcc.eac.int/node/153 

More photos: https://x.com/wizara_afyatz/status/1883489296700584205 and  https://x.com/wizara_afyatz/status/1883568102761288149