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